How to manage 404 errors in PrestaShop?

@june.crooks 

Managing 404 errors in PrestaShop is essential for maintaining a good user experience and ensuring proper SEO for your online store. Here are some steps you can take to handle 404 errors effectively:

1. Identify 404 Errors: Use tools like Google Search Console to find pages that return 404 errors. This tool will provide a list of URLs that Google has indexed but are not accessible. Check server logs to identify URLs that users tried to access but received a 404 error.
2. Redirect 404 Errors: Set up 301 redirects for pages that have been moved or renamed. This tells search engines and browsers that the page has permanently moved to a new location. You can use PrestaShop's URL redirect feature found in the SEO & URLs section under the "Traffic & SEO" option in the back office, or consider using third-party modules if more complex redirect management is needed.
3. Custom 404 Page: Create a user-friendly custom 404 error page. This page should be consistent with your store's branding and provide helpful navigation options to guide the user back to active pages. Include a search bar on your custom 404 page to help users find the information they were looking for.
4. Update Internal Links: Regularly audit and update your website’s internal links to ensure they point to valid pages. Use tools or PrestaShop modules that can scan your site for broken links.
5. Regular Content Review: Review your content and ensure all products, categories, and CMS pages are still relevant and active. Remove outdated content or permanently redirect when necessary.
6. Check Incoming Links: Monitor and correct incoming links from external sites that point to pages returning 404 errors. Reach out to the website owners to update or correct the link.
7. Monitor Regularly: Set up regular monitoring for new 404 errors using tools such as Google Analytics or specialized SEO software. This helps in catching and resolving issues as they arise.

By implementing these steps, you can effectively manage 404 errors in your PrestaShop store, improve customer experience, and maintain your website’s SEO health.