404 vs 410: SEO Implications
and Best Practices

Understanding the differences between 404 and 410 status codes and their appropriate usage can help you effectively manage your website's content and SEO performance. Properly using these codes ensures clear communication with search engines, helping to maintain a well-organized and user-friendly site.

A 404 error code is suitable for content that might be restored or for pages that have been moved temporarily. Error 404 indicates that a webpage is not found, but it might be available again in the future. It allows search engines to revisit the page later. On the other hand, the 410 status code should be used for permanently removed pages, signaling search engines to remove the page from their index. This clear communication can help maintain a clean and accurate site index.

People often ask questions about these codes, such as "Is 410 bad for SEO?" or "Is 410 better than 404?" The answers depend on clearly understanding when to use 404 vs 410.

• Error Code 404: Not Found

The 404 error code indicates that a page cannot be found but may return in the future. Frequent 404 errors can negatively impact user experience and SEO, as search engines might interpret them as a sign of poor site maintenance. Users encountering multiple 404 codes might leave the site, increasing the bounce rate.

• Error Code 410: Gone

The 410 response code signifies that a page has been permanently removed. This helps search engines quickly de-index the page, maintaining a cleaner index. While it can benefit SEO by providing clear information, excessive use of 410 without proper content management can lead to the loss of valuable backlinks.

So, both codes signal missing content, but 410 provides a definitive message to search engines, potentially offering better SEO management. Use HTTP 404 for temporary removals and 410 for permanent ones to ensure optimal site performance and user experience.

1.    Code 404: Not Found

Best Practices:

• Use for Temporary Absence: Apply 404 when a page is temporarily unavailable or might return.
• Custom 404 Page: Create a helpful 404 page with links to relevant content, improving user experience.
• Monitor and Fix: Regularly check for 404 errors using tools like Atomseo Broken Links Checker or Google Search Console and fix or redirect as necessary.

Example:

A blog post temporarily taken down for revision should return a 404 status code.

2.    Code 410: Gone

Best Practices:

• Use for Permanent Removal: Apply 410 when a page is permanently deleted and will not return.
• Notify Search Engines: This code helps search engines quickly de-index the page, keeping the index clean.
• Document Changes: Keep a log of 410 status changes for future reference.

Example:

A product page for an item that is permanently discontinued should return a 410 status code.

Following these practices, you ensure clear communication with search engines and maintain an efficient, user-friendly website.

It is essential to promptly identify error codes and verify the correct usage of each code. Atomseo Broken Links Checker is an effective tool for finding various errors and broken links, including 404 and 410. This tool allows you to check up to 1,500 free links daily, ensuring that your website maintains optimal functionality and SEO performance.