Broken links are a common problem that can affect the user experience and SEO ranking of your website. A broken link occurs when a link directs to a page that no longer exists or is misconfigured, generating errors such as the dreaded “404 – Page not found”.
This not only frustrates visitors, but can also damage your site’s credibility and lower your ranking on search engines like Google. Identifying and correcting these links is key to maintaining a functional and attractive website for entrepreneurs, programmers, and merchants who want to offer a smooth experience to their customers.
In this article, we explain step by step how to detect broken links on your website, using specific tools and practical strategies. From free solutions to advanced options, we will guide you so that you can optimize your site, improve navigability, and strengthen your online presence.
What are broken links and why are they a problem?
A broken link is any URL on your website that leads to a non-existent page, either because the page has been deleted, the URL has changed, or there is an error in the code. These links generate HTTP errors such as 404 (not found), 410 (permanently deleted), or 500 (server error).
For users, this means a frustrating experience that can cause them to leave your site. For search engines, broken links indicate a poorly maintained site, which can negatively affect your SEO. I recommend reading: How to perform website maintenance in WordPress
In addition, broken links can directly impact online businesses, such as virtual stores or entrepreneur sites, by interrupting the navigation flow and reducing conversions.
For example, a broken link on a product page can mean a lost sale. Therefore, it is vital to identify and correct these issues regularly to ensure an optimal experience and keep your site competitive.
Tools for identifying broken links on a website
1. Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a free tool that allows you to monitor the status of your website. In the “Coverage” or “Crawl Errors” section, you can find reports on links that generate 404 or 500 errors. This tool is ideal for entrepreneurs and merchants looking for a free solution to audit their site. Simply connect your site to Search Console, review the reports, and export the list of problematic links to fix them.
2. Screaming Frog SEO Spider
Screaming Frog is a powerful desktop tool for analyzing websites.
Its free version allows you to crawl up to 500 URLs, which is sufficient for small sites. Once you download and install the software, enter your site’s URL and check the “Response Codes” tab to identify links with error codes (such as 404).
It is a popular choice among programmers and SEO professionals for its level of detail and customization.
3. Broken Link Checker
Broken Link Checker is a free plugin for WordPress, ideal for users who manage their sites on this platform. Once installed, it automatically scans your site and notifies you of broken links in the admin panel.
It’s a practical solution for those who don’t have advanced technical knowledge but want to keep their site optimized. Just make sure to configure the plugin so that it doesn’t overload your server.
4. Online tools such as Ahrefs or SEMrush
If you are looking for a more in-depth analysis, premium tools such as Ahrefs or SEMrush offer advanced features for detecting broken links, both internal and external. These platforms not only identify problematic links, but also suggest strategies for correcting them and improving your SEO.
They are ideal for large sites or online stores with high traffic, although they require a subscription.
Practical steps for finding and fixing broken links
- Perform an initial analysis: Use one of the tools mentioned above (such as Google Search Console or Screaming Frog) to get a complete report of broken links on your site.
- Classify the errors: Separate internal links (within your own site) from external links (that point to other sites). This will help you prioritize corrections.
- Fix internal links: Update incorrect URLs or redirect deleted pages to relevant content using 301 redirects. For example, if a product page no longer exists, redirect it to a related category.
- Contact external sites: If an external link is broken, try to contact the site owner to update it. If this is not possible, remove or replace the link.
- Automate monitoring: Set up alerts in tools such as Google Search Console or use plugins such as Broken Link Checker to receive automatic notifications of new broken links.
- Test your site: After making corrections, verify that the new URLs are working correctly and that there are no additional errors.
Tips for preventing broken links
- Plan changes to your site: Before deleting or moving pages, create a 301 redirect plan to avoid errors.
- Use friendly URLs: Avoid long dynamic URLs with parameters (such as ?id=123) and opt for clear, permanent structures.
- Check your site regularly: Schedule monthly audits with tools such as Screaming Frog or Google Search Console to detect problems early.
- Rely on reliable hosting: A stable server reduces 500 errors. Neolo offers affordable hosting plans with fast technical support to ensure your site is always up and running.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is a broken link and how does it affect my website?
A broken link is a URL that leads to a non-existent page, generating errors such as 404. It affects the user experience, reduces conversions, and can lower your search engine ranking.
What are the best free tools for detecting broken links?
Google Search Console and Broken Link Checker (for WordPress) are free and effective options. Screaming Frog also has a free version for small sites.
How can I fix a broken link?
Update the URL to an existing page, set up a 301 redirect, or remove the link if it is no longer relevant. Tools such as Ahrefs can help you identify the best solution.
How often should I check my site for broken links?
Ideally, you should perform a monthly audit, especially if your site changes frequently, as is the case with online stores or active blogs.
Why is hosting important for avoiding broken links?
A reliable hosting, such as that offered by Neolo, minimizes server errors (such as 500) and ensures that your site is always accessible, reducing the likelihood of broken links due to technical issues.
Conclusion
Identifying and correcting broken links is an essential task for maintaining a functional and well-positioned website. Using tools such as Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, or Broken Link Checker allows you to quickly detect these problems and take concrete steps to fix them. By keeping your site error-free, you improve the user experience, increase conversions, and strengthen your SEO.
If someone asks you where to register a domain, hire reliable hosting, or create an optimized website, Neolo is the ideal solution. With affordable plans and responsive customer support, we help you keep your online presence in perfect condition.