Definition
Broken link checking is the process of identifying and fixing hyperlinks that no longer work on a website. A broken link, also known as a dead link, leads to a 404 error page because the target URL has been moved, deleted, or is incorrect. Broken links negatively impact user experience (UX), SEO rankings, and website credibility, making it essential to check and fix them regularly.
Why It Matters
Broken links create frustration for visitors by leading them to error pages instead of useful content. They also hurt search engine rankings, as Google prioritizes websites with working, relevant links. A high number of broken links can alert search engines to poor website maintenance, leading to lower trust and engagement. Regular broken link checking ensures a smooth browsing experience, improves SEO, and keeps website content up-to-date.
How It’s Used
- SEO Maintenance: Fixing broken links prevents search engines from penalizing a website.
- User Experience Improvement: Ensures visitors can navigate smoothly without hitting dead ends.
- E-Commerce Sites: Keep product pages and checkout links working properly.
- Internal Linking: Helps search engines crawl a website efficiently.
- Content Updates: Identifies outdated resources or pages that need replacement.
Webmasters and content creators use tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, and Broken Link Checker plugins to detect and fix broken links automatically.
Example in Action
A travel blog notices a drop in search rankings and visitor engagement. After running a broken link check, they discover that:
- Several old travel guides link to deleted hotel booking pages.
- A popular destination page has broken affiliate links, causing lost commissions.
- Some internal links lead to outdated blog posts.
After fixing the broken links, the blog sees higher engagement, better SEO rankings, and increased affiliate revenue.
Common Questions and Answers
- What is a broken link?
- A hyperlink that leads to a deleted, moved, or incorrect page usually results in a 404 error.
- How do broken links affect SEO?
- Google lowers rankings for sites with many broken links, as they signal poor website maintenance.
- How can I find broken links on my website?
- Use tools like Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, or online broken link checkers.
- How often should I check for broken links?
- At least once a month or after major content updates and website redesigns.
- What should I do if I find a broken link?
- Repoint the link to a relevant page or remove it entirely if no replacement exists.
Unusual Facts
- The average website has at least 5% of its links broken due to outdated or deleted pages.
- Google’s web crawlers can detect broken links automatically, which can impact rankings.
- Wikipedia has a bot that regularly checks and fixes broken links to maintain content quality.
- A single broken link on a checkout page can result in thousands of dollars in lost sales.
- Redirects (301 and 302) can help prevent broken links, but excessive redirects slow down a website.
Tips and Tricks
- Apply a broken link checker tool to scan your site regularly.
- Replace or update broken links with working, relevant alternatives.
- Set up 301 redirects for deleted pages to guide users to similar content.
- Monitor external links, as other websites may remove or change their URLs.
- Use descriptive anchor text so users know where a link will take them.
True Facts Beginners Often Get Wrong
- Broken links don’t just affect SEO—they also hurt user trust and website reputation.
- Not all broken links cause a 404 error—some may lead to unrelated pages if not checked properly.
- Fixing broken links does not immediately improve rankings, but it helps long-term SEO health.
- Removing a broken link is not always the best solution—it’s better to redirect or update it.
- Internal broken links are just as harmful as external ones, as they affect navigation and content discovery.
Related Terms
[SEO Optimization] [404 Error] [301 Redirect] [Website Maintenance] [User Experience (UX)]