📍Broken Link (also called a dead link) is a hyperlink that no longer works. When clicked, it leads to a page that’s missing, deleted, or moved, usually showing a 404 error or similar.
Why Do Broken Links Happen?
There are several common reasons why links break:
- URL changes – The page’s address was updated or moved.
- Deleted content – The page was removed completely.
- Typos in the URL – A mistake in the link’s spelling.
- External issues – The website being linked to has shut down or changed its structure.
What Does a Broken Link Look Like?
When a visitor clicks on a broken link, they usually see:
- “404 Not Found”
- “This page doesn’t exist”
- A browser error or redirect to a generic error page
This creates a poor user experience and can make a site look outdated or untrustworthy.
Why Are Broken Links Bad for SEO?
Broken links can hurt both your visitors and your website performance:
- Negative user experience – Visitors get frustrated and may leave your site.
- SEO impact – Search engines may lower your rankings if they find too many dead links.
- Crawling issues – Search bots may struggle to index your pages properly.
How to Find and Fix Broken Links
To keep your website healthy, check for broken links regularly using SEO tools like:
- 🔧 Ahrefs Broken Link Checker
- 🔍 Google Search Console
- 🛠️ Screaming Frog SEO Spider
Once found, you can:
- ✏️ Update the link if a new URL is available.
- 🔗 Replace it with a better resource.
- ❌ Remove it if no replacement is needed.
What You Should Remember
A broken link is a hyperlink that no longer leads to the correct page. It’s bad for both users and search engines. Regular checks and simple fixes can help keep your site clean, functional, and SEO-friendly.