Shopify Error: Page Not Found

The "404 Error" on Shopify indicates that a requested page cannot be found. This typically occurs when the URL of a page has changed, the page has been deleted, or there is a typo in the URL. 404 errors can negatively impact user experience and SEO, as visitors encounter broken links and search engines may lower the ranking of a site with many 404 errors. It is essential to address these errors promptly to maintain a seamless browsing experience and retain SEO rankings.

Common Causes of 404 Errors:

1. Deleted Pages: Pages that have been removed but still have links pointing to them.
2. Changed URLs: URLs that have been modified without setting up proper redirects.
3. Typographical Errors: Mistyped URLs in links or browser address bars.
4. Broken Links: Links to pages that no longer exist or have incorrect URLs.
5. Expired Products: Products that have been deleted or are no longer available.
6. Missing Files: Assets such as images or scripts that have been moved or deleted.

To resolve "404 Errors" on Shopify, follow these steps:

1. Identify Broken Links:
   • Use tools like Google Search Console, Broken Link Checker, or Ahrefs to identify broken links on your site. These tools can provide reports on 404 errors and the pages linking to them.
   • Manually review commonly linked pages and high-traffic areas of your site to identify any broken links.
2. Set Up Redirects:
   • For deleted or moved pages, set up 301 redirects to guide visitors to the new URL or a relevant page. This helps maintain SEO value and provides a better user experience.
   • Go to "Online Store" > "Navigation" > "URL Redirects" in your Shopify admin to create redirects.
3. Correct Typographical Errors:
   • Review and correct any typographical errors in URLs, both in your store's links and any marketing materials or external sources linking to your site.
   • Ensure that all internal links within your store are accurate and up to date.
4. Restore Missing Pages:
   • If possible, restore any deleted pages that are causing significant 404 errors. This can be done by recreating the page or restoring it from a backup.
   • For expired products, consider creating a custom "Out of Stock" or "Product Unavailable" page that informs customers and suggests alternative products.
5. Update External Links:
   • Reach out to external websites that link to your store with incorrect URLs. Request that they update their links to the correct URLs.
   • Use tools like Ahrefs or Moz to find and manage external backlinks to your site.
6. Regularly Monitor and Audit:
   • Set up regular monitoring and audits to catch new 404 errors as they occur. Use automated tools and set reminders for periodic manual checks.
   • Implement a process for monitoring and addressing 404 errors on an ongoing basis.
7. Create a Custom 404 Page:
   • Design a custom 404 error page that is informative and user-friendly. Include helpful links to guide visitors back to the main areas of your store, such as the homepage, product categories, or popular products.
   • Ensure the custom 404 page aligns with your brand’s design and tone.
8. Optimize for SEO:
   • Ensure that your redirects are 301 (permanent) redirects to maintain SEO value. Avoid using 302 (temporary) redirects unless necessary.
   • Regularly check Google Search Console for any crawl errors and fix them promptly to maintain good SEO health.
9. Test Regularly:
   • Test your store regularly to ensure that all links work correctly. Use automated testing tools to perform routine checks.
   • Periodically review and update your site’s structure, especially after making significant changes.
10. Educate Your Team:
    • Ensure that your team is aware of the importance of maintaining correct URLs and handling 404 errors. Provide training on how to set up redirects and monitor for broken links.
    • Create documentation or a checklist for adding, moving, or deleting pages to prevent future 404 errors.