Google Search Console 404 errors: impacts and SEO solutions

Google Search Console 404 errors

What is a GSC 404 error and how does it affect SEO?

A google search console 404 error, or "not found", occurs when a visitor or search engine bot requests a page that no longer exists or is inaccessible on your server. This signals to Google that the URL cannot be found, preventing it from being indexed. From an SEO perspective, a high number of google search console 404 errors weakens internal linking, dilutes page authority and reduces user satisfaction. Crawlers waste valuable time on these dead-end URLs, which can limit the crawl budget for your most important pages. According to Google Search Console, it is essential to identify and resolve these errors promptly to maintain your site's visibility and competitiveness.

How do I access the tool to identify a Google Search Console 404 error?

Access Google Search Console at search.google.com/search-console using your Google account. Once you've verified site ownership (via HTML tag, file, or Google Analytics/Tag Manager integration), the dashboard displays all relevant reports. To detect a google search console 404 error, go to the 'Indexing' section and review the excluded pages report, where URLs with a "Not found (404)" status are listed. This provides a centralised way to manage anomalies. The Incremys SEO 360° Audit module integrates this data, helping you prioritise fixes using advanced semantic analysis.

Steps to analyse, fix and prevent 404 issues

Resolving a google search console 404 error requires a clear methodology. First, use the URL inspection tool in Google Search Console to determine whether the page was deleted, moved or renamed. For strategic URLs or those generating traffic, implement a 301 redirect to an equivalent or relevant page, preserving SEO value and user experience. For obsolete pages, permanent removal is recommended, along with a removal request in Google Search Console to speed up de-indexing. It's also vital to review your internal linking and update links to prevent further errors. The Incremys Performance Reporting module helps you monitor these fixes and anticipate their impact on your SEO KPIs.

What is the difference between 404 and soft 404 errors, and how should you manage them?

In addition to standard 404 errors, Google Search Console also reports "soft 404s". This status is assigned to a page displaying content similar to a 404 error (such as a blank page or "page not found" message) but returning an HTTP 200 (success) code. Google then considers the page irrelevant and excludes it from the index. To correct a "soft 404", ensure the page returns a 404 code when content is missing, or provide a helpful alternative (such as a redirect or richer content). The semantic analysis in Incremys' 360° SEO SaaS solution detects these complex cases, enabling a tailored strategy and ensuring better control over indexability and site quality.

To further your knowledge and keep up with the latest in SEO optimisation, visit the Incremys Blog.