How to Fix Broken Internal Links in SEMrush Audit [Step-by-Step]

Broken Internal Links: What They Are and How to Fix Them

Internal links that lead to broken pages on your website can harm both user experience and your SEO performance. When users encounter a 404 error, it’s frustrating and can lead them to leave your site. For Google, these errors suggest a poorly maintained site, potentially resulting in lower search rankings.

What Are Broken Internal Links?

A broken internal link points to a page on your site that either no longer exists or returns a 404 error. This issue can arise from:

• Deleted or Moved Pages: If a page is removed or relocated without updating the internal links.
• Unpublished Content: Pages that are made private or unpublished can cause internal links to break.
• Changed URL Structure: Alterations in your site’s URL structure can result in broken links.
• Link Errors: Incorrect or misspelled URLs in your internal links can also cause this issue.

Why Broken Internal Links Matter for SEO

Broken internal links can have a significant negative impact on your SEO and user experience:

• User Experience: Encountering a broken link frustrates users, leading to higher bounce rates and decreased engagement.
• Professionalism: A site littered with broken links appears poorly maintained, which can damage your brand’s credibility.
• Search Engine Rankings: Google considers the quality and integrity of your internal links when ranking your site. Excessive broken links can lead to lower rankings.

How to Fix Broken Internal Links

Addressing broken internal links is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Identify Broken Links: Use SEO tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, Google Search Console, or Screaming Frog SEO Spider to scan your site and pinpoint broken links.
2. Determine the Cause: Understand why each link is broken. Is the page deleted, renamed, or moved? Or is it simply a link error?
3. Fix the Broken Links:
   • Redirect: If the page has moved, set up a 301 redirect to the new URL.
   • Update: Correct the URL if there’s a spelling or formatting error.
   • Remove: If the page no longer exists and there’s no suitable replacement, remove the link.
4. Regular Monitoring: Regularly scan your site for broken links to maintain a seamless user experience and preserve your SEO rankings.

Keeping your internal links intact and updated is crucial for maintaining a healthy website. By promptly addressing broken links, you enhance user satisfaction, improve your site’s SEO performance, and ensure your website remains professional and trustworthy.