Too many times we come across websites with errors such as Bad Gateway, Code 404 and Security Alerts blocking users from entering a website and the first thing that we think about is how much business this is affecting. In today’s digital landscape, where online presence is crucial for businesses, encountering website errors can be quite frustrating to the user. Not only can they disrupt user experience, but they can also negatively impact search engine rankings.
404 Error
One common type of website error is the 404 error, also known as “Page Not Found.” This occurs when a user tries to access a page that doesn’t exist on your website. Not only can it deter visitors, but it can also harm your SEO efforts. To address this issue, we recommend to regularly monitor your website for any broken links and outdated pages. At MGT Design we would implement a custom 404 page that provides helpful information, navigational links, and a search bar to guide users back to relevant content so that if a user was to fall on a page that could not be found, the user could still be navigated elsewhere onto your website.
500 Internal Server Error
Another prevalent website error is the 500 Internal Server Error, which indicates an issue with the server hosting your website. This error can arise due to server misconfigurations, resource limitations, or programming errors. Regularly maintaining and optimising your server can also help minimise the occurrence of such errors. At MGT Design we offer web hosting to give our clients peace of mind that should a server issue arise it will be dealt with and fixed in a timely manner.
Slow Website Speed
Website speed plays a crucial role in user experience and search engine rankings. Slow-loading pages can frustrate visitors and lead to high bounce rates. Common speed-related errors include large image sizes, excessive HTTP requests, and unoptimised code. When developing a website we make sure that every website runs smoothly and quickly.
502 Bad Gateway
A 502 bad gateway message indicates that one server got an invalid response from another. In essence, you’ve connected with some kind of interim device (like an edge server) that should fetch all of the bits you need to load the page. Something about that process went wrong, and the message indicates the problem.
SSL/TLS Certificate
SSL/TLS certificate errors can also hinder user trust and website security. When a visitor encounters a “Your connection is not private” warning, they might leave your site, resulting in lost opportunities. Ensure that your SSL/TLS certificates are up to date and correctly installed. Regularly check for certificate expiration dates and address any mixed content issues (HTTP and HTTPS) on your website. By providing a secure browsing experience, you can gain trust from your users and improve your search engine rankings.
Mobile Responsiveness
Mobile responsiveness is crucial in today’s mobile-first world. A website that doesn’t adapt to different screen sizes and devices can lead to a poor user experience and negatively impact SEO. At MGT Design, when building a new website, we test your website across various devices and screen sizes, and ensure that it displays properly and functions seamlessly. We utilise responsive design techniques such as fluid grids, flexible images, and CSS media queries to create a mobile-friendly experience for your users.
How MGT Design Can Help
At MGT Design we offer web maintenance packages to ensure that your website carries on running as smoothly as the day it went live. Addressing website errors is essential for maintaining a seamless user experience and optimising your search engine visibility. By regularly monitoring your website, promptly addressing broken links, optimising speed, ensuring SSL/TLS security, and embracing mobile responsiveness, you can minimise errors and create a user-friendly, error-free website that ranks well in search engines. Remember, an error-free website is a step closer to achieving your online goals and engaging your audience effectively.
