Broken Link

A broken link refers to a hyperlink on a webpage that does not function and fails to direct users to the specified URL. This occurs when the linked page does not exist, has been deleted, or the URL has been changed. Broken links negatively impact user experience and can also harm SEO.

Causes of Broken Links

  1. URL Changes: When the URL of the linked page is changed but the original link is not updated, a broken link occurs.

  2. Page Deletion: If the linked page is deleted, the link becomes non-functional.

  3. Domain Change or Expiration: If the domain of the linked website is changed or expires, it results in a broken link.

  4. Typos or Errors: Typos or errors made while creating the link can result in an invalid URL.

  5. File Relocation: If files within the website are moved to a different directory, the original link becomes invalid.

Impact of Broken Links

  1. Decreased User Experience: Broken links prevent users from accessing the desired content, reducing the site's reliability.

  2. Negative SEO Impact: A high number of broken links can lead search engines to perceive the site as low quality, potentially lowering search rankings.

  3. Reduced Conversion Rates: Broken links can increase user abandonment, leading to lower conversion rates.

Methods to Check for Broken Links

  1. Manual Check: Regularly click on the website's links manually to check for broken links.

  2. Browser Developer Tools: Use browser developer tools to check the links within a page.

  3. Link Checker Tools: Use specialized link checker tools to automatically scan the entire site for broken links.

    • Examples:

      • Screaming Frog SEO Spider

      • Ahrefs

      • Broken Link Checker (online tool)

Methods to Fix Broken Links

  1. Update URLs: If the URL of the linked page has changed, update the link to the latest URL.

  2. Set Up Redirects: If the linked page has been deleted, set up a 301 redirect to a relevant new page.

  3. Remove Links: If the linked page has been completely removed and there is no alternative page, delete the link.

  4. Correct Typos or Errors: Fix any typos or errors in the link to ensure the URL is correct.

  5. Rebuild Internal Links: If the structure of files or pages within the site has changed, rebuild internal links to ensure they are correct.

Conclusion

A broken link is a hyperlink that fails to direct users to the specified URL. Broken links can lead to decreased user experience, negative SEO impact, and reduced conversion rates. Methods to check for broken links include manual checks, browser developer tools, and link checker tools. To fix broken links, update URLs, set up redirects, remove links, correct typos or errors, and rebuild internal links. Regularly checking for and promptly fixing broken links is crucial for maintaining website quality and enhancing user experience.