How to find and fix broken links

A broken link points to a page that no longer exists (404) or fails (5xx).

Find them

• A site audit lists every broken page it reaches and every page linking to it.
• The broken link checker checks all links on a single page.

Fix them

• Internal links: update them to the right address.
• Moved pages: add a 301 redirect from the old address.
• External links: update to a new source or remove the link.

Why links break

• Pages renamed or deleted without redirects.
• Typos in links.
• External sites that changed or closed.
• Products discontinued.
• Moving the site to a new domain or folder.

Prioritise

1. Broken links in the main navigation and footer: they appear on every page.
2. Broken links on your most visited pages.
3. Broken pages with backlinks from other sites.
4. Everything else.

Prevent them

• Redirect every page you move or delete.
• Check links when publishing.
• Run a site audit monthly.

External links

Links to other sites break without warning. Check your most important outbound links a few times a year and replace dead ones with current sources.

Backlinks to broken pages

Links from other sites to pages that no longer exist are wasted. The broken backlink finder lists them; redirect those addresses to the best matching page to recover the value.