Broken Link

A broken link is a hyperlink on a webpage that leads to an online destination that no longer exists or has been moved without proper redirects in place. This can be a result of a deleted webpage, a typo in the URL, or a change in the website’s structure.

Importance in SEO

Broken links can harm SEO by providing a poor user experience. Search engines may view a high number of broken links as a sign of a neglected or low-quality website, which could lead to lower search rankings.

Additionally, when users encounter broken links, they are more likely to leave the site, increasing the bounce rate.

Example

If a link on a website points to a page that has been removed, and instead of leading to the intended content, it displays a “404 Not Found” error message, this is a broken link.

Do:

• Regularly audit your website for broken links using tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Search Console.
• Set up 301 redirects for any pages that have been moved to preserve link equity and user experience.
• Ensure that all external links are still active and relevant to your content.

Don’t:

• Ignore broken link notifications from search engines or users.
• Allow broken links to persist on your site for long periods.
• Use automated link generators that can create broken links due to typos or outdated information.