What Is a 404 Error and How Does It Affect SEO?

Author : Websfirm Technologies | Published On : 17 Jun 2026

A 404 error appears when a user tries to access a webpage that cannot be found on the server. This usually happens because the page was deleted, moved, or the URL was entered incorrectly. For website owners, a 404 error can create a poor user experience and may negatively affect SEO if broken links are left unresolved. Regularly monitoring and fixing missing pages with redirects or updated links helps maintain website performance, improves navigation, and ensures visitors and search engines can access the right content efficiently.