When to Fix 404 Errors: Key Insights from Gary Illyes

Google has long maintained that having pages returning a HTTP 404 status code is a normal part of web management. Most websites encounter these errors, and when a page does not exist on your site, a 404 status code is the proper response. However, Gary Illyes from Google recently shared insights on LinkedIn, highlighting specific scenarios where webmasters should address and fix pages returning a 404 status code. 

Google’s Stance on 404 Errors

Illyes began his LinkedIn post with a familiar Google Search disclaimer: “404 (Not found) errors are not to be afraid of and you don’t need to scramble to fix them, at least not most of the time.” He then delved into situations where addressing 404 errors becomes necessary.

Understanding 404 Status Codes

A 404 error is triggered when a URL on your server does not map to any existing resource. Illyes explained that these URLs fall into two main categories:

1. The URL Should Return Content (200 Status Code): This situation arises when an important page is accidentally deleted or there is an issue with the database, leading to the absence of expected content. These errors should be fixed promptly, especially if the URL is crucial for users and the site’s functionality.
2. The URL Should Not Return Content: This category can be further divided into:
   • URLs That Could Be Useful to Users: These URLs should be mapped to relevant content, possibly through redirects. For instance, broken links from high-traffic pages that could lead users to valuable content should be addressed.
   • URLs That Are Absolutely Useless: These should remain as 404 errors. Fixing these might mislead users, such as off-site links to content that no longer exists because of a change in business focus.

Detailed Discussion on 404 Management

In the LinkedIn thread, Illyes addressed several questions and provided further insights into Google’s handling of 404 errors:

• Pierre Paqueton asked if Google stores information about 404 errors to avoid wasting server resources. Illyes responded that after a few tries, Google gives up on crawling 404 URLs unless new links to them are created.
• Evgeniy Orlov inquired about the difference between 404 and 410 status codes. Illyes clarified that Google treats both the same way, and people often misuse status codes, necessitating flexibility.
• Jimmy Hartill raised a concern about trust issues for users encountering 404 errors. Illyes explained that if a 404 error answers the user’s query, it might be considered useful, aligning it with URLs that could be redirected to relevant content.

User-Centric Approach to Fixing 404s

Illyes highlighted the importance of understanding when to fix 404 errors, emphasizing user experience. If a URL is important and has user traffic, fixing it can significantly improve user satisfaction and site usability. Conversely, fixing URLs that are genuinely irrelevant can mislead users and waste resources.

Future Trends in Managing 404 Errors

With Illyes’ clarification, there is likely to be a shift in how webmasters handle 404 errors. Moving forward, the focus will be on strategic fixes that prioritize user-centric issues. This approach aligns with Google’s broader emphasis on enhancing user experience and ensuring content relevance. Webmasters are expected to adopt a more discerning approach, addressing only those 404 errors that have a significant impact on user satisfaction and site performance.

Practical Advice

Webmasters and SEO professionals should make to follow the below tips to evaluate the nature of each 404 error:

1. Fix Critical 404s Promptly: Ensure that important pages return a 200 status code. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of the site.
2. Redirect Potentially Useful URLs: Map these URLs to relevant content, especially if they originate from high-traffic pages. This can prevent user frustration and enhance site navigation.
3. Ignore Truly Irrelevant 404s: Avoid fixing URLs that no longer serve any purpose. Fixing these might mislead users and waste resources.

Key Takeaways

• Illyes emphasized that webmasters should not fear 404 errors unnecessarily. Understanding which 404 errors need attention based on user impact is important.
• Fixing 404 errors that affect user experience and site functionality is essential. This approach helps maintain site integrity and improves usability.
• Implement targeted solutions for 404 errors rather than attempt to fix every single one. Focus on errors that impact user satisfaction and site performance.