Not every 404 is a problem
Search Console reports 404s it finds through links, including links from other sites you do not control. A 404 for a page that should not exist is the correct answer.
Not found (404) in Search Console
The URL no longer exists. That is fine if you removed the page on purpose. If the content moved, redirect the old URL to its new address with a 301.
Diagnose it
Symptoms, checks and fixes
Common symptoms
- URLs listed under "Not found (404)".
- Old page addresses from a previous site still get visits or links.
Checks to run
| Check | How to tell | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Was the page removed on purpose? | Check whether the content still exists at another address. | If it is gone with no replacement, leave the 404. Google stops showing it over time.[1][2] |
| Did the content move? | Search your new site for the same topic or product. | Add a 301 redirect from the old URL to the closest new page.[1][3] |
| Is your own site still linking to it? | Crawl your site or check menus, footers and the sitemap for the old address. | Update internal links and remove the URL from your sitemap.[4] |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do 404s hurt the rest of my site?
Google ignores the content of 4xx URLs and gradually drops them from the index. Fix the ones that should redirect, and leave genuine removals alone.[2]
Should I redirect every 404 to the home page?
No. Redirect only to a page that replaces the old one. If nothing replaces it, a 404 is the right answer.[1]
How we work together
Two ways to get started
Website Subscription
Your website, fully managed — no big upfront cost.
We design, build, host, maintain and keep improving your site for one simple monthly fee.
- Custom-designed & built for your brand
- Hosting, security & maintenance included
- Ongoing edits & content updates
- Continuous SEO & performance improvements
- Scale up or down as you grow
Fixed Project
A one-off custom build you own outright.
A defined scope and a single fixed quote — delivered once, and yours to keep.
- Bespoke design & development
- Defined scope & timeline
- You own the website & code
- Optional care plan after launch
- Custom-quoted to your needs
Sources
- [1] Page indexing report (Search Console Help). Checked 9 October 2026.
- [2] Google crawling docs: How HTTP status codes affect Google's crawlers. Checked 10 October 2026.
- [3] Google Search Central: Redirects and Google Search. Checked 10 October 2026.
- [4] Search Console Help: Sitemaps report. Checked 10 October 2026.
Ready to get started?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your project. We respond within 24 hours.