Broken Link Checker

What is a Broken Link Checker Tool?

A broken link checker tool is a software program or online service that scans your website for broken links. Broken links, also known as dead links, are hyperlinks that point to non-existent pages or resources. When a user clicks on a broken link, they are typically met with a 404 error page, which can be frustrating and detrimental to the user experience. Broken links can also affect website accessibility for users with disabilities, as they may rely on assistive technologies that cannot properly interpret broken links. 

Broken link checkers work by crawling your website, but it’s important to note that they don’t necessarily follow every single link. Some tools only check specific types of links or have limitations on crawl depth, which refers to how many levels deep they will follow links within your site. They check the HTTP status code of each link to determine if it is working correctly. A status code of 200 indicates a working link, while a 404 or other error code indicates a broken link. Some tools also check for other issues, such as redirected links and slow-loading pages. For example, the Broken Link Checker extension for Chrome examines all links in the current page and returns the status code for each link, helping you identify slow-loading pages. 

HTTP Status Codes and Broken Links

Understanding HTTP status codes is crucial for interpreting the results of a broken link checker. Here are some common status codes that indicate broken links:

• 404 Page Not Found: This is the most common error code, indicating that the requested page or resource does not exist on the server.
• 400 Bad Request: This error code means that the server cannot or will not process the request due to something that is perceived to be a client error (e.g., malformed request syntax, invalid request message framing, or deceptive request routing).
• 410 Gone: This indicates that the resource requested is no longer available and will not be available again.
• 500 Internal Server Error: This error code indicates that the server encountered an unexpected condition that prevented it from fulfilling the request.

Types of Broken Link Checker Tools

There are several different types of broken link checker tools available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

• Online Tools: These are web-based tools that you can access from any computer with an internet connection. They are often free to use, but may have limitations on the number of pages they can scan or the features they offer. Examples include Camdalio Broken Link Checker, BrokenLinkCheck.com and Dead Link Checker.
  
   

   

   
• Browser Extensions: These are small programs that you can install in your web browser. They allow you to check for broken links on any page you visit, which can be useful for quickly checking individual pages or small websites. Examples include the Broken Link Checker extension for Chrome.
  
   

   
• WordPress Plugins: If your website is built on WordPress, you can use a plugin to check for broken links. These plugins are often more comprehensive than online tools and browser extensions, and can be integrated into your WordPress dashboard for easy access. Examples include the Broken Link Checker plugin by WPMU DEV.
  
   

   
• Desktop Software: These are standalone programs that you install on your computer. They are typically more powerful than online tools and browser extensions, and can scan large websites quickly and efficiently. An example is Screaming Frog SEO Spider Tool.
  
   

Choosing the right type of broken link checker depends on your needs and technical expertise. If you have a small website or just need to check a few pages, an online tool or browser extension may be sufficient. For larger websites or more in-depth analysis, a WordPress plugin or desktop software is recommended. If you’re comfortable with installing and configuring software, a desktop tool like Screaming Frog offers advanced features and customization options. However, if you prefer a more user-friendly experience, a WordPress plugin or online tool may be a better choice. Consider your budget as well, as some tools require a paid subscription for full functionality.

Benefits of Using a Broken Link Checker Tool

Using a broken link checker tool offers several benefits for your website:

• Improved User Experience: Broken links can be frustrating for users, leading to a negative experience on your website. By identifying and fixing broken links, you can ensure that users can easily find the information they are looking for.
  
   
• Better SEO: Search engines penalize websites with broken links, as they can indicate a poorly maintained or outdated site. By regularly checking for and fixing broken links, you can improve your website’s SEO and ranking in search results.
  
   

   

   
• Increased Website Traffic: When your website is easy to navigate and free of broken links, users are more likely to stay on your site longer and explore more pages. This can lead to increased website traffic and engagement.
  
   
• Enhanced Credibility: A website with broken links can give the impression that it is neglected or unprofessional. By keeping your links in good working order, you can enhance your website’s credibility and trustworthiness.
  
   
• Saved Time and Effort: Manually checking for broken links can be a time-consuming and tedious task, especially for large websites. A broken link checker tool automates this process, saving you time and effort.
  
   
• Prevent Link Rot: Over time, links naturally decay as websites evolve and content is moved or deleted. This is known as “link rot.” Broken link checkers help you identify and address these decaying links, ensuring your website remains up-to-date and functional.
  
   
• Competitive Analysis: Broken link checkers can be used to explore competitors’ broken backlinks. This can reveal opportunities to create content that fills the gaps left by their broken links and potentially acquire backlinks from those referring domains.
  
   
• Protect Revenue: Broken links, especially on product pages or checkout pages, can directly impact your website’s revenue. By identifying and fixing these broken links, you can ensure that customers can complete their purchases without encountering frustrating errors.
  
   

   

Best Broken Link Checker Tools for Different Platforms

The following table summarizes the key features, pros, and cons of some of the best broken link checker tools for different platforms:

How to Use a Broken Link Checker Tool Effectively

To use a broken link checker tool effectively, follow these steps:

1. Select a tool that empowers you: Choose a tool that aligns with your platform, website size, and technical comfort level.
2. Fine-tune your tool: Explore the configuration options and tailor them to your specific needs, such as excluding certain URLs or adjusting the crawl depth.
3. Initiate a scan: Enter your website’s URL into the tool and begin the scanning process.
4. Analyze the results: Once the scan is complete, carefully review the report to identify any broken links.
5. Take corrective action: Implement the necessary steps to fix the broken links, such as updating the URL, removing the link, or setting up a redirect.
6. Maintain a regular schedule: Establish a routine of regular scans to ensure your website remains free of broken links and maintains its optimal performance.

Common Causes of Broken Links

Broken links can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Typos in URLs: A simple typo in a URL, such as misspelling a word or omitting a character, can render a link broken. For example, if a link is intended to go to “www.example.com/about” but is typed as “www.example.com/abut,” it will result in a broken link.
  
   
• Deleted pages: When a page is deleted from your website without a redirect in place, any links pointing to that page will become broken. This is a common occurrence when websites undergo redesigns or content updates.
  
   
• Renamed pages: If you rename a page on your website, the URL will change. Any links pointing to the old URL will become broken unless they are updated to reflect the new URL.
  
   
• Website restructuring: When you restructure your website, such as changing the navigation or reorganizing content, it’s easy to overlook updating internal links. This can lead to broken links if the old links are not redirected to the new locations.
  
   
• Domain name changes: If you change your domain name, all existing links to your old domain will become broken. It’s crucial to set up 301 redirects from the old domain to the new domain to avoid losing traffic and SEO value.
  
   
• Moved content: If you move content to a new location on your website or to a different server, any links pointing to the old location will become broken. Always update the links or implement redirects when moving content.
  
   
• External website changes: When an external website that you link to changes its URL structure, deletes a page, or goes offline, the link from your site will become broken. Regularly check your external links to ensure they are still valid.
  
   

How to Fix Broken Links

Once you have identified broken links on your website, you need to take steps to fix them. Here are some common methods:

• Edit the URL: If the link is broken due to a typo, simply edit the URL to correct the mistake. For example, if a link is missing a letter or has an extra character, correcting the URL will fix the broken link.
  
   
• Remove the link: If the linked content no longer exists and there is no relevant replacement, you can remove the link. This is often the best option for links to outdated or irrelevant content.
  
   
• Set up a redirect: If the linked content has moved to a new location, set up a 301 redirect from the old URL to the new URL. This will ensure that users and search engines are directed to the correct page. This is important for preserving SEO value and maintaining a positive user experience.
  
   
• Restore the content: If the linked content was deleted by mistake, you can restore it from a backup. This is often the easiest way to fix a broken link if you have a recent backup of your website.
  
   
• Contact the external website: If the broken link points to an external website, you can contact the website owner and inform them of the broken link. They may be able to fix the link or provide an alternative. This is a courtesy that can help maintain a good relationship with other websites.
  
   

Conclusion

Broken link checker tools are indispensable for maintaining a healthy and user-friendly website. By regularly checking for and fixing broken links, you can improve your website’s SEO, enhance user experience, and protect your site’s credibility. Choose the right tool for your needs and follow the best practices outlined in this guide to keep your website’s links in top shape. Remember that regular link maintenance is an ongoing process, and incorporating it into your website management routine will contribute significantly to its long-term success. Don’t wait for broken links to damage your website’s performance and user experience – take proactive steps today to ensure your website remains a valuable resource for your audience.