Insightful significance404
How To Create a Custom 404 Error Page in WordPress (And Fix Broken Links)?
“404 Error Page not found” is a page we are familiar with and have had the chance of encountering them. Do we actually know what it means and what it signifies? Or what kind of problems could the website owner be facing with these pages? This post will answer all questions about what an error page is and how you can deal with them.
Most of the websites are powered by WordPress or are being used with the help of WordPress
CONTENTS
1. Why do we see “404 Error Pages”?
Error pages are HTTP codes sent by the server to you. These pages basically mean that the page you are trying a search for has either been removed or moved to another place.
2. What does it mean for the Website Administrator?
An error page seems like an easy option to deal with, but have you, as a web administrator, know what could be the implications of an error page and what effect could it have on your website?
Here is what a website administrator should know about error pages:
- When the page still exists:
If you have a website page, which is still up and running, but the visitors and the viewers cannot access it, the problem of losing your visitors will arise. Not to mention, your rankings on Google will also suffer massively. Google will devalue your website for having error pages and broken links.So, if you have a web page, which is functioning properly on your end and should appear when it is being searched for, but does not load for the user, you are in for trouble. However, that is not a big issue, because WordPress allows you to fix this problem easily, more on this later. But remember, you will need to fix this problem the moment it arises.
- When the content is irrelevant, or you are deleting the page:
As a website administrator, there will be times when you will find that some pages have become irrelevant. Before taking the impulsive decision of hitting “delete,” consider deleting the contents and creating a custom error page.The reason behind this is that there may be many websites out there, which are linking back to your page. And the users’ from the other websites will come to your website when they do not find what they are looking for; they will be confused and will look for the page. But if you have deleted the page, they will have no luck, and you will gain a bad reputation.To tackle this problem, create a custom error page, add a message and tell the viewer what you wish in brief. This will reduce their confusion and will save you from losing a viewer and from gaining a bad reputation.
- Moving your Web-Page:
In case you choose to change your domain host or make other important changes to your website, you may move some of your pages. Although you may move your web pages, the fact that the links to the very same pages are still available on the websites which backlink to you makes it important for you to make a custom error page with a message. The message could tell the user or the viewer to visit your new website or simply tell them that the page is not available anymore.
3. What are broken links and can they be fixed?
Broken links are nothing but an error in the links of your web page. These links may be may be internal or external links. The importance of the identification and fixing of these broken links is as important as error pages. The reason for this is because of the fact that these links bring the user to your website directly. Furthermore, these links can also be used as backlinks to your website from other websites. Broken links usually kill your SEO ranks and make it impossible for crawlers to get a hold of your website. This will have a direct effect on your SEO ranks.
4. Understanding Error Handling
Making up for the broken links or error pages could be a hard task if you do not know which WordPress tools to use. Here is a list of things you could do or use for your handling errors on your WordPress website:
- Fixing broken links:
Install the WordPress plug-in or tool to detect broken links on your website. With this tool, you will be able to tell if their website has broken links. If your website has some issues with broken links, the tool will show you exactly which link needs to be fixed, and you can jump on it and get it fixed right there and get it done.
This tool makes the job of fixing broken links easy and hassle-free. Going to every web page and checking them manually would not only be a fool’s job but also tremendously tiring.
The tool, by default, will check your website and its link every 72 hours. Furthermore, you can change the time window for the checks for broken links through the plug-in’s settings.
- Custom Error Pages:
Custom Error Pages: WordPress allows you to make custom error pages. What’s more, a web administrator can even use creative and custom designs to add an edge to their WordPress Error pages! WordPress’ idea is not to create beautiful 404 Error pages in comparison to the bland ones we are accustomed to but to eliminate the element of confusion for the user. Furthermore, custom web pages allow you to direct the viewer to another web page or give them a message as to why the web page is not available, rather than simply leaving them in the dark.
5. Here are the steps to get your own WordPress Custom Error Page
- Fixing Permalink Issues:
In some cases, the problem is not so much with your pages links as with your Permalink. This issue can be done easily resolved by manually fixing your permalink’s structure, which will allow you to get rid of these problems. To know more about how to fix the problem, follow the steps here.
Also, do not forget to click on “save” once you have made the changes.
- Redirecting the viewer
Redirecting a viewer is a good option when you have moved your website or the webpage to some other place. In this manner, the users will not lose their way. Redirection is done by taking the visitor to another website or to the place where your page is being hosted. Plug-ins which helps you in creating quick redirection links will aid your efforts to fix this problem as soon as possible. This is how a redirection option will look once you use the plug-in:
Using the plug-in is quite easy. After installing it, all you need to do is click on tools on your dashboard and select your redirection tool. Do as given in the image below:
Image source: themeskills.com
The above-mentioned methods are the most popular and the easiest way to get your broken links and error pages fixed. Another way fixing your website’s Error pages is by editing your .htaccess. However, editing the .htaccess is not something everyone can do.
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