What Are Internally Linked Dead Pages?
An Internally Linked Dead Pages is when you link to a page on your site which either no longer exists or never did. This then produces a 404 Page Not Found Error.
Why Should You Avoid Internally Linked Dead Pages?
Internally Linked Dead Pages are not only bad for the user experience/usability of the site but if those dead URLs have links pointing to them, you could be losing some valuable SEO power.
How Do You Fix Internally Linked Dead Pages?
Fixing Internally Linked Dead Pages is really simple as long as you keep on top of it. All you need to do is update the internal link to point to a live page on the site and then assess the dead URL. If it used to exist and no longer does, it should be 301 Permanently Redirected. If it was a mistyped URL that has no other links pointing to it, it can be left as dead.
How Do You Prevent Internally Linked Dead Pages?
The best way to prevent Internally Linked Dead Pages is to update all necessary internal links whenever a URL is removed or updated. URLs that are removed or updated should then be 301 Permanently Redirected to the nearest relevant location on the site. When creating internal links, they should be tested before publishing to ensure they go to a live location on the site.
What Are Internally Linked Dead Pages In Simple Terms?
Internally Linked Dead Pages on a website are like trying to meet a friend at a bar that no longer exists. You may be able to find but you cant go in or doing anything with it. Very frustrating.