A broken link is a hyperlink that no longer leads to its intended destination, affecting user experience and SEO.
Description
A broken link, also known as a dead link, is a hyperlink that points to a webpage that is no longer available or cannot be found. This issue can arise due to various reasons such as website restructuring, deleted pages, or changes in URLs. Broken links can negatively impact user experience and search engine rankings, making it crucial for website owners to regularly check and maintain their links.
Implementation
- Use tools like Google Search Console or third-party services such as Screaming Frog to identify broken links on your website.
- Once identified, assess whether the linked page can be restored or if the link should be removed or updated.
- If the content has moved, update the link to point to the new location.
- For deleted resources, consider redirecting the broken link to a relevant page on your site to retain traffic and improve user experience.
Best Practices
- Regularly audit your website for broken links to maintain a healthy site.
- Use 301 redirects for moved content to preserve SEO value.
- Keep your internal linking structure clean and updated.
- Avoid linking to external sites that are prone to changing URLs or content.
Additional Information
Tools like Ahrefs and Moz can help track broken links over time. Consider monitoring your outbound links as well, since linking to broken external pages can also harm your SEO. Case studies have shown that fixing broken links can lead to improved user engagement and higher conversion rates.