@VendoIreland
Dealing with 4XX errors, specifically broken links, is important for maintaining a healthy and user-friendly website. Here are some recommendations for handling such situations:
Assess the Importance of the Pages:
Determine the importance and relevance of the pages that are generating 4XX errors. If the content is still valuable, consider updating and reactivating the page.
Content Removal or Update:
If the content is outdated or no longer relevant, you may want to remove it. Alternatively, consider updating the content to make it current and useful.
Redirecting to Relevant Pages:
If the content is no longer available, but the page has external links or is indexed in search engines, consider setting up 301 redirects to relevant and existing pages on your website. This will help maintain SEO value and provide a seamless experience for users and search engines.
Custom 404 Page:
Create a custom 404 error page that provides users with helpful information, such as a search bar, popular pages, or a link to your homepage. This ensures that users who encounter broken links have options for navigation.
Review and Update Sitemap:
Ensure that your website's XML sitemap is up-to-date. This helps search engines discover and index the latest content on your site.
Monitor Webmaster Tools:
Use tools like Google Search Console to identify and monitor 404 errors. This will help you stay informed about issues and address them promptly.
Communicate Changes to Users:
If a page is being redirected or removed, it's good practice to communicate this to your users through on-page messages or announcements. This helps manage expectations and reduces confusion.
Periodic Content Audits:
Conduct regular content audits to identify and address outdated or irrelevant content. This proactive approach can help prevent the accumulation of broken links over time.
In your specific case, if you decide to reactivate a page and redirect it to your main website , ensure that the redirection is relevant and adds value to users. Additionally, check for any potential impact on SEO and update internal links to reflect the changes.
Remember, the goal is to provide a positive user experience, maintain SEO integrity, and keep your website content up-to-date.