How do you handle crawl errors and fix broken links in SEO?

In my view, handling crawl errors and fixing broken links is essential for maintaining a healthy website and strong SEO performance. Here’s how I approach it:

1. Identify Issues: I start by using tools like Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, and Ahrefs. According to my understanding, Search Console is great for spotting crawl errors like “404 Not Found” or “Server Errors,” while Screaming Frog helps me find broken internal and external links during a site crawl.
2. Fixing Broken Links: Once I’ve identified the broken links, I prioritize fixing them based on their impact. For example:
   • If it’s an internal link, I update it to the correct URL.
   • If the page no longer exists, I either create a 301 redirect to a relevant page or replace the link with another useful resource.
   • For broken external links, I either find an updated link or remove it altogether.
3. Review Sitemap: I always make sure my XML sitemap is updated and doesn’t include any broken or obsolete URLs. In my view, a clean sitemap helps search engines crawl the site more efficiently.
4. Check Server Issues: As per my experience, some crawl errors might result from server-related problems like timeouts. I work with the hosting provider to resolve these quickly if they arise.
5. Set Up 404 Page: I ensure there’s a custom 404 page in place to guide users back to useful parts of the site. For me, a well-designed 404 page is not just about SEO—it also improves the user experience.
6. Monitor Regularly: I don’t treat this as a one-time task. I make it a point to run regular crawls and audits to catch any new issues before they escalate.
7. Analyze Logs: When needed, I review server logs to understand how search engine bots are crawling the site. This helps me identify patterns or errors that might not be obvious in other tools.

In my experience, fixing crawl errors and broken links not only improves rankings but also creates a smoother experience for users, which is just as important. It’s all about staying proactive and keeping the site in top shape.