What is a Broken Link (Dead Link) in SEO?
A broken link, also known as a dead link, is a hyperlink that no longer leads to the intended destination because the target page has been deleted, moved, or contains an incorrect URL. When users click on a broken link, they typically encounter a “404 Not Found” error page, indicating that the content cannot be found.
In SEO, broken links are considered negative signals as they disrupt user experience, waste crawl budget, and dilute link equity.
Common Causes of Broken Links
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Deleted Pages | The destination page was removed without setting up a redirect. |
| Moved URLs | The page’s URL structure changed (e.g., during a website redesign) without updating the old link. |
| Typographical Errors | A typo or formatting mistake in the hyperlink makes the URL invalid. |
| Expired Domains | The linked website no longer exists or has gone offline. |
| CMS or Plugin Errors | Dynamic links created by certain plugins or content systems may break during updates. |
Example of a Broken Link
Your blog post on digital marketing links to an external article titled “Top 10 SEO Trends.”
Later, the original article is deleted by the host website or its URL is changed without a redirect.
Clicking the link leads users to:
Why Broken Links Are Bad for SEO!
1. Poor User Experience
Users who land on a 404 error page may get frustrated and leave your site, increasing bounce rate.
This harms your reputation and reduces engagement.
2. Crawl Budget Waste
Search engine bots like Googlebot follow internal and external links.
When they hit a dead end (broken link), they waste valuable crawl resources, possibly missing other important pages.
3. Lost Link Equity
If a broken page had backlinks, the SEO value (link juice) is lost.
Redirecting broken pages ensures this value is passed on to active URLs.
4. Website Quality Signals
A site with too many broken links signals poor maintenance and low trustworthiness.
This may lead to lower rankings in Google’s algorithm.
How to Identify and Fix Broken Links!
Step 1: Audit Your Website
Use tools like:
- Ahrefs Broken Link Checker
- Screaming Frog SEO Spider
- Google Search Console
- Broken Link Checker Plugin (for WordPress)
Step 2: Fix Internal Links
Update the URL to the correct page.
If the page was deleted, redirect it (preferably a 301 redirect) to a related page.
Step 3: Fix External Links
If linking to another website:
- Replace the link with a new, working source.
- Or remove the link entirely if no alternative exists.
Pro Tip: Create a Custom 404 Page
Even if a broken link occurs, a helpful and branded 404 page can:
Suggest related content
Provide navigation links
Keep users engaged on your site
Example: “Oops! That page doesn’t exist. But here are some popular posts you might enjoy…”
Final Thoughts
Broken links are not just minor inconveniences—they signal neglect to both users and search engines.
- Regular broken link audits
- Timely redirects
- Strong internal linking hygiene
- are essential for maintaining a healthy SEO structure.
By staying proactive in identifying and fixing broken links, you’ll boost:
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