A 404 page is an HTTP status code that indicates the requested resource could not be found on the server. It's essentially an error message that a web server generates when a user attempts to access a URL that doesn't exist or is unavailable.
How to fix?
Check the URL: Ensure that the URL entered by the user is correct and properly formatted. Sometimes, typos or incorrect URLs can lead to 404 errors.
Verify File or Page Existence: Double-check that the file or page the user is trying to access actually exists on the server. If it doesn't, you may need to create the file or page or correct the URL.
Server Configuration: Review the server configuration files (such as .htaccess for Apache servers) to ensure there are no misconfigurations causing the 404 errors. Make sure that the server is correctly configured to handle requests for the specific URL.
Redirects: Implement URL redirects for outdated or removed content. This can be done using server-side redirects (e.g., using .htaccess file) or through content management systems (CMS) if you're using one.
Custom 404 Page: Create a custom 404 error page to provide users with helpful information when they encounter a 404 error. This page should include a friendly message informing users that the requested page could not be found and possibly provide links to popular pages or a search box to help users find what they're looking for.
Monitor Error Logs: Regularly monitor your website's error logs to identify and fix any recurring 404 errors. This can help you identify any broken links or issues with your website's structure.
Update Links: If you're encountering 404 errors due to external links pointing to outdated or removed content on your site, consider reaching out to the owners of those websites and asking them to update their links.
By following these steps, you can effectively diagnose and fix 404 errors on your website, improving the user experience and ensuring that visitors can access the content they're looking for.