Alright, let’s talk about something we’ve all experienced: clicking on a link and — bam — a 404 page slaps you in the face. It’s frustrating, right? But did you know that fixing those broken links can actually make a HUGE difference to your website?

Why fixing broken links matters

But why should you even bother fixing broken links? Well, here’s the thing: broken links affect everything from your user experience to your SEO ranking. Fixing them is a small change that can lead to big improvements for your site. Here’s how:

1. Fixing broken links makes your website more user-friendly

Picture this: someone lands on your site, all excited to check out something you’ve posted, only to hit a broken link. Total bummer. We’ve all been there and it doesn’t leave a great impression. Users want smooth, hassle-free experiences — they want what they clicked for, when they clicked it. Broken links throw up barriers and make them think twice about sticking around.

But when you fix those links? Your visitors will keep cruising around, enjoying everything you’ve put out there. It’s like putting out the welcome mat, making sure no one gets lost along the way. And when users are happy, they stay. Simple as that!

2. Broken links hurt your SEO and search engine rankings

Here’s the thing: search engines like Google LOVE a well-maintained website. When they crawl your site and find broken links, they don’t get excited. In fact, they might lower your ranking. Yikes, right?

On the flip side, when you fix those links, you’re telling Google, “Hey, I’ve got this under control!” It’s like saying you’ve got a fresh coat of paint on your house and that’s something search engines notice. A site with fewer broken links will rank better, making it easier for people to find you. And who doesn’t want more traffic?

3. Broken links waste your marketing efforts — fixing them saves time and money

We all know how much time and energy goes into marketing — whether it’s a blog post, email campaign, or social media push. And then what happens? Someone clicks your link, and… 404 error. Ugh. All that effort just went down the drain.

By fixing broken links, you make sure that every click counts. Those marketing efforts? They’ll pay off because users can actually get to the good stuff you’re linking to. Don’t let broken links throw a wrench in your plan — keep things flowing and make sure your hard work doesn’t go to waste!

4. Fixing broken links improves your website’s professional appearance

Your website is a reflection of your brand and just like you wouldn’t want a messy storefront, you don’t want a broken link-filled site. It sends the wrong message. Fixing broken links shows that you care — that you’re on top of things and paying attention to the details.

A clean, well-maintained website makes users trust you. And trust is everything. When everything’s running smoothly, it boosts your credibility and makes your brand look polished. It’s a win-win!

5. Fixing broken links is easier than you think!

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: fixing broken links might sound like a big, tedious job. But trust me — it’s not that bad. With the right tools (like Progress Planner, of course!), you can easily identify and fix those pesky broken links. And once you make it a habit, it’ll be part of your regular website maintenance routine. Easy peasy!

Ready to tackle your broken links? Join our challenge!

So, let’s sum it up: fixing broken links isn’t just something you should “get around to.” It’s a game-changer. It improves user experience, boosts SEO, makes your marketing efforts more effective and keeps your website looking professional. All for a little bit of time and effort!