When Google closes its URL Shortener service next year, this could leave many web pages with ‘link rot’ (a 404 error page where the shortened link once worked). Here we look at how you can find and fix link rot in your web pages, maintain a good user experience, and avoid re-direct problems and the negative search engine ranking issues that can come from broken links:
Scan for Broken Links
- Use tools like Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, or Ahrefs to identify broken links.
Identify Shortened URLs
- List all URLs shortened by services like Google's URL Shortener (find them using resources such as Screaming Frog or Ahrefs).
Update Links
- Replace broken links with correct URLs or relevant alternatives.
Implement 301 Redirects
- Redirect users from broken links to correct URLs using your website's .htaccess file or CMS.
Monitor Regularly
- Schedule regular scans to catch new broken links.
Create a Custom 404 Page
- Help users find information with a search bar and links to popular pages.
Maintain External Links
- Request updates from webmasters of sites linking to your broken URLs.