What Is a Broken Link?
A broken link is a hyperlink that leads to a webpage that no longer exists or cannot be accessed.
When a user or search engine clicks a broken link, it typically returns an error such as a 404 (page not found).
Why Broken Links Matter for SEO
Broken links affect SEO and user experience in several ways:
- search engines waste time crawling non-existent pages
- page quality signals may be reduced
- users may lose trust when encountering errors
Over time, a high number of broken links can weaken a website’s overall credibility.
Common Causes of Broken Links
Broken links often occur due to:
- deleted or moved pages
- incorrect URL formatting
- external websites removing content
- website redesigns without proper redirects
They can appear on both internal and external links.
How Search Engines Treat Broken Links
Search engines view broken links as signals of poor maintenance.
While a few broken links are normal, large numbers may indicate neglect and negatively affect crawling efficiency.
How to Find Broken Links
Broken links can be identified by:
- manual checking (time-consuming)
- automated scanning tools
Using a broken link checker helps detect issues quickly and accurately.
You can scan your pages using the Click2Click Broken Link Checker to identify and fix broken links efficiently.
How to Fix Broken Links
Common solutions include:
- updating the link to the correct page
- replacing the link with a relevant alternative
- removing the link entirely
- setting up proper redirects
Broken links are normal over time, but leaving them unresolved can harm both SEO and user trust.
Regular checking and maintenance help keep a website healthy and accessible.