Examples of 404 Not Found Error Examples

Explore practical examples of 404 Not Found errors to understand their context and solutions.
By Jamie

Understanding 404 Not Found Errors

A 404 Not Found error is an HTTP response status code that indicates the server can’t find the requested resource. This error commonly occurs when a user tries to access a webpage that no longer exists or has been moved without redirection. Understanding these errors can help developers troubleshoot and enhance user experience. Below are three practical examples of 404 Not Found errors.

Example 1: Missing Product Page

In an e-commerce context, a user attempts to access a specific product page that has been removed from the site due to discontinuation. The URL might be bookmarked or shared, leading to a 404 error when accessed.

Example URL: https://www.example-ecommerce.com/products/old-product
When the user navigates to this URL, the server returns a 404 Not Found error because the product page no longer exists.

Notes:

  • To prevent this error, the website could implement a 301 redirect to a similar product page or the homepage.
  • Consider providing a search option or alternative product recommendations on the 404 error page to enhance user experience.

Example 2: Moved Blog Post

A blogger updates their website and changes the URLs of several blog posts for SEO purposes. However, they forget to set up redirects. A reader tries to access an old blog post link shared on social media.

Example URL: https://www.exampleblog.com/2020/old-blog-post-title
When the reader clicks on this link, the server returns a 404 Not Found error because the blog post’s URL has changed.

Notes:

  • It is advisable to set up 301 redirects from the old URLs to the new ones to maintain traffic and SEO value.
  • Consider creating a custom 404 error page with links to recent posts or popular articles to retain visitors.

Example 3: Incorrect URL Typing

A user types an incorrect URL into their browser, either by misspelling or leaving out certain parts of the address. This is a common scenario where users might not even realize they made a mistake.

Example URL: https://www.examplewebsite.com/inex.html
When the user tries to access this URL, the server returns a 404 Not Found error because the correct URL should be https://www.examplewebsite.com/index.html.

Notes:

  • Implementing a user-friendly 404 error page that encourages users to check their typing or offers a search bar can help guide users back to relevant content.
  • Providing a link back to the homepage or sitemap can also assist users in navigating the site more effectively.