Broken Links Meaning & Examples
Definition
Broken links are hyperlinks on a website that no longer work because the destination page has been moved, deleted, or the URL has changed. In eCommerce, broken links can appear when products are removed, slugs are updated, or redirects are not properly set.
Good or Bad?
Good, when identified quickly and fixed with redirects or updates.
Bad, when left unfixed, as they frustrate users, damage SEO rankings, and reduce trust in the store.
Why does it matter?
Because broken links disrupt the shopping journey, causing customers to abandon the site.
They also send negative signals to search engines, which can lower visibility and traffic.
Common Mistakes
- Deleting product pages without setting up redirects.
- Changing slugs but not updating internal links.
- Relying only on manual checks instead of regular audits.
- Ignoring broken links in blog posts, categories, or menus.
How to Improve It?
- Run regular site audits to detect broken links.
- Set up 301 redirects when product pages are moved or removed.
- Keep navigation menus and category links updated.
- Use plugins or tools to automate broken link detection.
Recommended Plugin
Slugs Manager: Delete Old Permalinks for WooCommerce by WPFactory.
This plugin helps prevent broken links by managing old slugs and setting automatic redirects, ensuring customers and search engines reach the right page.
Real-World Example
A WooCommerce clothing store discontinues a product and deletes its page. Customers clicking old links see a 404 error. By setting a redirect to a similar product, the store recovers lost sales opportunities.
Related Terms
- Redirect URL
- URL Slug
- Product SEO
- 404 Error
FAQs
Do broken links affect SEO?
Yes. Search engines see them as a sign of poor site maintenance, which can lower rankings.
Should I delete old product pages?
Not without redirects. Redirect them to relevant categories or similar products instead.
How often should broken links be checked?
At least once a month, or more frequently for large stores with constant product updates.
