SEO · Website glossary

404 error

Quick answer · What is 404 error?

An HTTP status indicating that the server cannot find a current representation of the requested resource.

Concept reference: MDN: 404 Not Found

IN PRACTICE

404 error: an example

A mistyped page address returns a useful not-found page with a 404 response.

KEEP IN MIND

The distinction that matters

A friendly error screen returning 200 can create a soft-404 situation; inspect the response status too.

Put the idea to work

SEO in practice.

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Frequently asked questions

What you need to know.

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What is a practical example of 404 error?

A mistyped page address returns a useful not-found page with a 404 response.

Is a friendly error screen enough to handle a missing page?

A friendly error screen returning 200 can create a soft-404 situation; inspect the response status too.

Which concepts should I read alongside 404 error?

Redirect: A response or mechanism that sends a user agent from one URL to another.