on the web SEO Optimizationand in page management.Broken Links and Failuresbacklink(Broken Backlinks)are two very critical issues. In this article, we will explain in detail the concept of broken links, the reasons why it occurs, how to detect it and fix the program to help improve the weight of the site and search rankings.
![Image[1]-Ahrefs Ultimate Guide to Broken Link Repair: Recovering Failed Backlinks and Sprinting SEO Rankings](https://www.361sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250828094650499-image.png)
First, what is a broken chain (Broken Links)
broken chainmeans that a page on a website pointed to by a link cannot be accessed, and will usually return HTTP 404 errorThe
Broken links can have a negative impact on a website's overall performance and search engine inclusion.
1. Classification of broken chains
- Internal Broken Links
directionalsame web siteLinks to other pages are disabled. - External Broken Links
directionalOther sitesThe link to the page is not working.
2. Common causes of broken chains
- Page deleted or moved without redirection
- The link is misspelled or URL update
- Domain name expiration or abandonment
- External website closure or change of path
3. Impact of broken chains
- Inability to access content after clicking on a link reduces the motivation to visit
- Search Engines Reduce Page Weight
- Influence the professionalism of a website in the eyes of the visitor
![Image[2]-Ahrefs Ultimate Guide to Broken Link Repair: Recovering Failed Backlinks and Sprinting SEO Rankings](https://www.361sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250828094828550-image.png)
Second, what is the failure of backlinks (Broken Backlinks)
Failed backlinksmeanOther sites linking to your sitebut the page pointing to it returns 404 incorrectThe
Example:
A blog references an article on your site, but that article is deleted or the URL is changed, and a lapsed backlink occurs.
1. Importance of invalid backlinks
- Loss of weight transfer from external sites (Link Juice)
- Potential visitors can't access content
- Reduced search engine assessment of website authority
2. Methods of detecting failed backlinks
exist Ahrefs Site Explorer Center:
- show (a ticket) "Broken Backlinks" reporting
Path:Backlinks → Broken Backlinks - See all sites pointing to a 404 page
![Image [3]-Ahrefs Ultimate Guide to Broken Link Repair: Recovering Failed Backlinks and Sprinting SEO Rankings](https://www.361sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250828095209860-image.png)
- It can be based on Anchor Text, URL, Domain Weight (DR) etc.
![Image [4]-Ahrefs Ultimate Guide to Broken Link Repair: Recovering Failed Backlinks and Sprinting SEO Rankings](https://www.361sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250828095258933-image.png)
- utilization "Best by Links" Reports → Add HTTP Code: 404 Filter conditions
Quickly locate high value lost links.
![Image [5]-Ahrefs Ultimate Guide to Broken Link Repair: Recovering Failed Backlinks and Sprinting SEO Rankings](https://www.361sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250828095309113-image.png)
- click (using a mouse or other pointing device)"Link to page"drop-down menu to see all the external pages that link to this 404 page.
![Image [6]-Ahrefs Ultimate Guide to Broken Link Repair: Recovering Lapsed Backlinks and Sprinting SEO Rankings](https://www.361sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250828095355846-image.png)
III. Methods for detecting broken chains
utilization Ahrefs The tools provided make it easy to find broken links in three main ways:
Method 1: Broken Links Report
- show (a ticket) Ahrefs Site Explorer
- Left menu selection:Outgoing Links → Broken Links
- Check out the report in the red label, common tips include:
- "404 not found"
- "Cannot resolve host"
- This will show all the broken external links and their anchor text
![Image [7]-Ahrefs Ultimate Guide to Broken Link Repair: Recovering Failed Backlinks and Sprinting SEO Rankings](https://www.361sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250828095508125-image.png)
Method 2: Site Audit
Ideal for large-scale checking of websites:
- New or open website audit project
- Turn it on in the settings "Checking external links HTTP State"
![Image [8]-Ahrefs Ultimate Guide to Broken Link Repair: Recovering Failed Backlinks and Sprinting SEO Rankings](https://www.361sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250828095659918-image.png)
- After completing the crawl, all broken links will be marked:
- Page has links to broken page
- If the page is not flagged, there is no broken link problem.
![Image [9]-Ahrefs Ultimate Guide to Broken Link Repair: Recovering Failed Backlinks and Sprinting SEO Rankings](https://www.361sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250828095746408-image.png)
Method 3: Exporting Broken Link Data
- In the Broken Links report click on Export
- Download all broken links and corresponding pages
- Easy to manage consistently in Excel or Google Sheets
![Image[10]-Ahrefs Ultimate Guide to Broken Link Repair: Recovering Failed Backlinks and Sprinting SEO Rankings](https://www.361sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250828095746876-image.png)
IV. Methods of repairing broken chains
Once you have found the broken chain, you can use different methods to fix it:
1. Repair of broken internal chains
- Update URL: If the page path changes, change the link address
- Setting up a 301 redirect: redirect the disabled page to a related page
- Remove Expired Links: When the target page cannot be replaced
![Image [11]-Ahrefs Ultimate Guide to Broken Link Repair: Recovering Failed Backlinks and Sprinting SEO Rankings](https://www.361sale.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250828095817345-image.png)
2. Repair of external broken links
- Replacement of the target link: Find the same or better quality resources
- Contact Webmaster: Request an update of the target page
- Remove Expired Links: Reduce visits to error pages
3. Fixing broken backlinks
- Restore original page: May be re-published if original content is of value
- 301 Redirects to related pages: Retaining weight transfer from external sites
- Outreach Optimization: Contact other webmasters to update the correct link
Fifth, broken chain optimization on the value of SEO
Dealing with broken chains on a regular basis can bring multiple benefits:
- Improve website accessibility and length of stay
- Maintaining quality backlinks forweights
- Enhance search engine trust in your website
- Improve overall ranking and inclusion efficiency
VI. Summary
| typology | define | affect (usually adversely) | Restoration Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| internal disconnection | Links to other pages on this site do not work | Reduced content accessibility | Update the URL or do a 301 redirection |
| External chain breakage | Links to other website pages not working | Reduced page value | Replacement of resources or removal of broken links |
| Failed backlinks | External site links to this site do not work | Losing weight and potential traffic | Restore the page or do a 301 redirect |
Recommendation:
- Regular use Ahrefs Broken Links + Site Audit Check the website
- Prioritize fixing high authority broken links and failing backlinks
- Establishment of a broken link checking mechanism to reduce losses due to incorrect links
Link to this article:https://www.361sale.com/en/75128The article is copyrighted and must be reproduced with attribution.






















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