Ever clicked on a link only to be greeted with that annoying “404-Error” page? That’s really what a broken link is! But what actually causes a broken link, and how can you fix broken link in WordPress? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into what broken links are, why they happen, and how to tackle them like a pro.
Let’s Get To Know About Some Broken Links! What is Broken Links?
A broken link is like a road leading to nowhere. It’s a hyperlink pointing to a resource or page that no longer exists or is unreachable. When users click on it, they’re greeted with a 404 error or a similar message indicating that the page can’t be found. Broken links can crop up for a variety of reasons, including:
Deleted Pages:
If a page was removed from your website or the external site it links to is gone, you’ll end up with a broken link.
Changed URLs:
If the URL structure of a page changes but the old URL isn’t redirected correctly, the link will break.
Typos:
Simple spelling mistakes in the URL can lead to broken links.
External Site Issues:
If you link to an external website and that site goes down or removes the page, your link will no longer work.
Why Broken Links Are a Big Deal?
Broken links are more than just an annoying hiccup. They can seriously impact your website’s user experience and SEO. Here’s why:
User Frustration:
Imagine the frustration of your visitors encountering broken links. This may cause them to leave your site, resulting in a higher bounce rate. Understanding this user experience is essential in realizing the impact of broken links.
SEO Impact:
Search engines like Google dislike broken links because they disrupt the flow of information. If your site has too many broken links, it might negatively affect your search engine ranking. This underlines the urgency of fixing broken links for your site’s SEO.
Credibility:
A site with broken links can appear unprofessional and outdated, hurting your brand’s credibility.
Fixing Broken Links? Here’s Your WordPress Cheat Sheet!
Ready to clean up those broken links? Here’s how you can fix them in WordPress:
1. Use a Broken Link Checker Plugin
What to Do:
Install a plugin like Broken Link Checker. This tool will scan your site for broken links and notify you about them.
Why It Helps:
It’s a time-saver and automates the process of finding broken links, so you don’t have to do it manually.
2. Manually Check Links
What to Do:
Review your posts and pages to check if any links need fixing. Click on each link to ensure they lead to the right place.
Why It Helps:
While plugins are great, manually checking can help catch issues that automated tools might miss.
3. Update or Remove Broken Links
What to Do:
For internal broken links, update them with the correct URL or redirect them to the new page if it exists. For external links, either find a working replacement or remove the link.
Why It Helps:
Fixing or removing broken links keeps your site user-friendly and maintains its credibility.
4. Redirect Broken Links
What to Do:
Use a plugin like Redirection to set up redirects from broken URLs to new or relevant pages on your site.
Why It Helps:
Redirects verify that search engines and users are directed to the correct page, even if the original link is broken.
5. Regular Maintenance
What to Do:
Regularly run checks using your chosen plugin and manually review links to catch any new broken links that may appear.
Why It Helps:
Keeping on top of broken links is not a one-time task. Regular maintenance, including running checks using your chosen plugin and manually reviewing links, is essential to prevent future issues and ensure a smooth user experience. This ongoing care is crucial for your website’s health.
Ready to Fix Your Broken Links?
Dealing with broken links might seem small, but it can significantly affect your site’s usability and search engine ranking. If you’re overwhelmed or want to ensure everything is handled smoothly, Prontosys is here to help!
As a top-rated SEO agency in Dubai, UAE, Prontosys specializes in keeping your website in shape. Let our team of experts handle your broken links and other site issues so you can focus on what you do best. Get in touch with us today and watch your website’s performance soar!