Finding Your Way After 404: Handling Page Not Found Errors

This HTTP status code is one of the most common error codes for WordPress websites. It occurs when a visitor tries to access a page on your WordPress website that does not exist or cannot be found.

This error message informs the user that the requested page is not available on the server. It serves as a way to communicate to users that the page they were looking for may have been deleted, moved, or never existed in the first place.

What Causes the Error 404 – Page Not Found?

Here are a few reasons you may encounter the Error 404 “Page Not Found” on your WordPress website:

Broken Permalinks: Suppose the URL structure of your website’s pages is incorrect or the permalinks are not set up properly. In that case, users may encounter a 404 error when trying to access specific pages.
Deleted or Moved Pages: If a page has been deleted or its URL has been changed without setting up proper redirects, users will receive a 404 error when trying to access the old URL.
Misspelled URLs: Users may mistype the URL or follow a broken link from an external website, resulting in a 404 error.
Incorrect .htaccess Rules: Incorrect or misconfigured .htaccess rules can lead to incorrect URL routing and trigger the 404 error.
Remember that some 404 errors are normal, especially if you’ve recently reorganized or updated your website. If you are trying to shift one or more of the website pages, we recommend you opt for the WordPress 301 redirect.

How to Resolve the Error 404 – Page Not Found?

Here are a few ways you can resolve the error 404 “Page Not Found” on your WordPress website:

Check Permalink Settings: Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Settings -> Permalinks, and click “Save Changes” to refresh the permalink structure. This action can resolve 404 errors caused by permalink issues.
Redirect Deleted or Moved Pages: If you have deleted or moved a page, set up 301 redirects from the old URL to the new one using plugins like Redirection or Yoast SEO. That ensures the users are redirected to the correct page.
Fix Broken Links: Regularly check for broken links on your website using tools like Broken Link Checker and fix them to prevent 404 errors for users.
Custom 404 Error Page: Create a custom 404 error page that provides users with helpful information and navigation options to continue exploring your website.
Review .htaccess File: If you suspect .htaccess rules are causing the 404 error, review the file for any misconfigurations or remove any custom rules temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.
Use Redirect Plugins: Consider using redirect plugins like Redirection or Simple 301 Redirects. That will help manage redirects and avoid 404 errors caused by changes in your site’s structure.
By executing these resolutions on your website, you can ensure that visitors find the content they are looking for and experience a seamless journey on your WordPress site.