Submitted URL Returned 404 – Fixing Google Indexing Errors

You’ve probably encountered that dreaded “404 Not Found” message at some point while browsing the web. In fact, studies show that nearly 70% of users abandon a site after hitting a broken link. This frustrating experience can hurt your website’s credibility and SEO ranking.

Understanding why a submitted URL returns a 404 error is crucial for maintaining a smooth online presence. Whether you’re a small business owner or a startup founder, knowing how to tackle these issues can save you time and potential customers.

Auto Page Rank offers powerful website indexing software that helps you identify and fix these pesky 404 errors quickly. While some competitors offer similar services, our advanced tools provide more accurate insights and faster results. Stay ahead of the game by ensuring your site is always up and running, making it easier for users to find what they need.

Understanding the “Submitted URL Returned 404” Error

The “Submitted URL Returned 404” error signifies that a webpage cannot be found on the server. This issue frustrates users and reflects poorly on your site’s reliability and SEO performance.

What Does a 404 Error Mean?

A 404 error occurs when a user attempts to access a webpage that doesn’t exist. Imagine clicking a link only to be met with a stark message saying, “404 Not Found.”

That moment can feel like a dead end. It’s like turning the corner only to discover a brick wall. This error means the server can’t send the requested page because it no longer exists or never existed at all.

Each 404 you encounter affects user experience and can impact your site’s search engine ranking. In fact, consistent 404 errors can lead to decreased trust among your visitors.

Common Causes of 404 Errors

Several factors lead to 404 errors. Some of the common culprits include:

• Broken Links: Links from other websites or within your site may lead to deleted or moved pages.
• Misspelled URLs: A simple typo in the URL can send users on a wild goose chase. Double-check those addresses!
• Removed Content: Sometimes, web content is intentionally deleted but still linked elsewhere.
• URL Changes: When you redesign your site or move content to a different URL, the old links won’t redirect, causing a 404.

Understanding these triggers is crucial in maintaining an effective online presence. This knowledge enables you to take proactive steps in addressing these errors.

Auto Page Rank significantly simplifies detecting and fixing 404 errors. With its efficient tools, you can identify broken links quickly and enhance your site’s performance. Each resolved error can fortify your credibility and improve SEO standings.

1. Google Search Central on 404 errors
2. Moz’s guide on 404 error pages
3. Webmaster Tools Help on fixing 404 errors

Impact of 404 Errors on SEO

404 errors can wreak havoc on your website’s SEO. When search engines can’t find your pages, they may lower your site’s credibility. That leads to poor rankings on search result pages.

404 errors create dead ends for both users and search engines.

How 404 Errors Affect Search Engine Ranking

Search engines prioritize sites with high-quality content and smooth navigation. When they encounter too many 404 errors, they interpret this as a sign of poor site maintenance.

Too many broken links can lead to search engines deciding that your site isn’t worth indexing.

Over time, you might see a drop in your organic traffic. For instance, a study by Moz found that sites with a high rate of 404 errors experience significantly reduced visibility in search results.

Search engines like Google aim to provide valuable resources to users. If your site generates multiple 404 responses, it signals a lack of reliability. This shouldn’t be ignored if you want to maintain your site’s search ranking.

Auto Page Rank provides tools to identify and fix these troublesome 404 errors. You can quickly address broken links to keep your site in search engine’s good graces.

User Experience and 404 Errors

404 errors kill user experience. When someone clicks a link only to be met with a “Not Found” message, frustration mounts. About 70% of users abandon a site after encountering such errors, which can lead to lost customers.

First impressions matter. If a user hits a 404 page, they might assume your entire site lacks quality. An unoptimized site makes users question your authority.

In turn, a diminished reputation impacts user trust. According to HubSpot, 80% of consumers are less likely to return to a site after a negative experience. When users leave, they don’t come back so easily.

Auto Page Rank helps by notifying you when your site has broken links. Quickly address issues to improve the experience for your visitors, keeping them engaged and coming back for more.

• Moz’s Guide on 404 Errors
• HubSpot’s Consumer Behavior Report
• Search Engine Land on User Experience

Troubleshooting the “Submitted URL Returned 404” Issue

Encountering a “Submitted URL Returned 404” message can be frustrating. It signals a failure to locate a webpage. Below are effective methods to troubleshoot this issue.

Checking the URL Submission

Start by double-checking the URL you submitted. A small typo can lead to a big problem. Ensure the address matches the actual page on your site, casing and all.

Look for misplaced slashes (/), hyphens (–), and periods (.).

Check that you’ve used HTTPS instead of HTTP if your site requires it.

Confirm the URL isn’t outdated or outdated. If content moved, update the submitted URL accordingly.

Fixing these details makes a huge difference in resolving this error.

For more on precise URL submission, visit Google Search Central for established best practices.

Verifying Site Structure and Links

Next, inspect your site’s structure and links. A complex site structure can hide 404 errors.

Audit your site for broken links. Use tools like Auto Page Rank to trace problem links quickly.

Review your sitemap and ensure all submitted URLs reflect the current structure. A neat sitemap helps search engines find pages faster.

Update your internal links. If a page is moved, link to the new location instead of an old page.

Finding and fixing these items can greatly improve user experience.

Auto Page Rank offers tools for a comprehensive site audit. Detecting broken links efficiently can save you time, keeping your site running smoothly.

Explore more about site structure optimization at Moz.

Preventing Future 404 Errors

You can dramatically reduce the chances of encountering 404 errors by implementing some straightforward practices. When you manage your URLs effectively and use redirects judiciously, it’s easier to maintain a reliable and user-friendly website.

Best Practices for URL Management

Establish clear guidelines for creating URLs. Short, descriptive URLs are the way to go.

• Consistent Structure: Stick to a naming convention so users and search engines recognize patterns. This could mean using lowercase letters, hyphens instead of underscores, and avoiding special characters.
• Avoid Changing URLs: Once a URL is live, avoid altering it unless absolutely necessary. If you must change it, always implement a redirect.
• Regular Audits: Schedule regular checks on your site’s links. This helps spot broken links or outdated content before they cause user frustration.
• Update Sitemap: Keep your XML sitemap up to date. This helps search engines find your pages quickly and can prevent indexing issues.

Implementing these practices builds a stable web experience, keeping users happy and minimizing SEO setbacks.

Auto Page Rank assists with URL audits and automates the process of spotting broken links. This ensures your site stays clean and functional.

Using Redirects Effectively

Redirects can help you manage traffic when changes happen on your site. When done right, they guide users to the content they’re looking for, even if they’ve hit a dead end.

• 301 Redirects: This is the go-to option for permanent moves. It tells search engines the page has permanently moved to a new address. This helps retain SEO value.
• 302 Redirects: These are temporary. Use these if you’re making short-term changes or updates to a page. It signals to search engines that the original URL is still valid.
• Link Management: When implementing redirects, keep track of them. Document every redirection to avoid chaos. Redirect chains create confusion and can hurt load times.
• Testing Redirects: Always test your redirects. Ensure they work as intended and direct users to relevant content. Broken redirects can lead to frustration, similar to broken links.

By effectively using redirects, you maintain an efficient flow of traffic and keep search engines happy.

Auto Page Rank offers features that assist in managing redirects. This simplifies the tracking of your links and ensures everything’s functioning correctly to keep your site’s credibility intact.

References

1. Moz on SEO and 404 Errors
2. HubSpot’s Impact of 404 Errors
3. Google’s Guidelines for Structuring URLs

Conclusion

Addressing “Submitted URL Returned 404” errors is crucial for maintaining a reliable online presence. By understanding the causes and implementing effective strategies, you can prevent these errors from negatively impacting your site’s credibility and SEO performance.

Utilizing tools like Auto Page Rank can streamline the process of identifying and fixing broken links, ensuring a smoother user experience. Remember that regular audits and proper URL management are key to keeping your website functional and trustworthy. By taking these steps, you’ll not only enhance user satisfaction but also improve your site’s standing in search engine results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 404 Not Found error?

A 404 Not Found error occurs when a webpage cannot be located on a server. It usually indicates broken links, removed content, or misspelled URLs, leading to a frustrating user experience and potentially harming a site’s credibility and SEO performance.

How do 404 errors affect my website’s SEO?

404 errors can negatively impact your website’s SEO by reducing credibility with search engines, which may lower your site’s rankings. Too many broken links can lead to decreased visibility in search results, resulting in a drop in organic traffic.

Why do users abandon sites after a 404 error?

Users often abandon sites after encountering a 404 error because it creates a dead end, frustrating their search for information. Poor user experiences reduce trust in the site, making them less likely to return.

What causes 404 errors?

Common causes of 404 errors include broken links, typographical errors in URLs, removed content, and changes in the URL structure. Understanding these causes can help prevent future errors and maintain a smooth browsing experience.

How can I fix “Submitted URL Returned 404” issues?

To fix a “Submitted URL Returned 404” issue, check the URL for typos, use updated links, and ensure the correct implementation of HTTPS. Utilizing tools like Auto Page Rank can help quickly identify and resolve broken links.

How does Auto Page Rank help with 404 errors?

Auto Page Rank is a website indexing software that efficiently identifies and fixes 404 errors. Its advanced tools provide accurate insights and faster results compared to competitors, helping to maintain a smooth user experience and preserving SEO rankings.

What preventive measures can I take against 404 errors?

To prevent 404 errors, establish guidelines for URL creation, maintain a consistent structure, conduct regular audits, and keep your XML sitemap updated. Effectively managing redirects and testing them can also help ensure a seamless user experience.

What is the difference between 301 and 302 redirects?

A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect, signaling to search engines that a page has moved forever, while a 302 redirect is temporary. Using the right type of redirect is crucial for maintaining SEO rankings and ensuring that users reach the intended content.