What do the 404 errors in the backend mean?

In your Shoporama dashboard, you'll find a link to "See your 404 errors here". This guide explains what 404 errors mean, why they occur, and what you should do about them.

What is a 404 error?

A 404 error occurs when a visitor tries to access a page that doesn't exist. It can happen if:

• You have changed a URL (e.g. renamed a category from /long-sleeves to /long-pants)
• An external link points to a page that no longer exists
• A search engine has indexed an old URL

Why are 404 errors important?

404 errors have two consequences:

1. Poor user experience - the visitor doesn't find what they are looking for
2. Lost SEO value - if an external page links to a 404 page, you lose the link juice (SEO value) that the link would otherwise provide

What does the 404 overview show?

For each 404 error, Shoporama records:

• Page not found - the URL the user tried to access
• Referrer - where the user came from (e.g. a blog or search engine)

What should you do?

For the most important 404 errors, you should create redirects. Prioritize them where:

• There are many visitors who fall into the error
• A credible source links to the old URL
• You have an obvious replacement page to redirect to

Fake 404 errors from bots

Some 404 errors originate from bots (automated programs) visiting your site. They can:

• Spoof referrer information to make it look like traffic is coming from other sites
• Visit URLs that never existed (e.g. /wp-admin or /administrator)

You can safely ignore these 404 errors - they are not real visitors and you don't need to create redirects for them.

Do you need help? Contact us at support@shoporama.dk.