What Is Link Rot?
Link rot is when a link on a website no longer works. When someone clicks the link, they might see an error page, a missing page, or a totally different site than expected.
Definition
Link rot happens when a web page or file that a link points to is moved, changed, or deleted. The URL stays on your page, but the place it points to is gone or broken. This creates a dead link, also called a broken link.
Why Link Rot Matters
Link rot is a problem for several reasons.
- Bad user experience Visitors get stuck on error pages and may leave your site.
- Less trust Dead links make your content look old or uncared for.
- SEO problems Search engines see many broken links as a sign that a site is not well maintained.
- Lost value Helpful sources, research, and references become hard or impossible to reach.
How Link Rot Happens
Link rot can grow slowly over time as the web changes. Common causes include.
- The linked site shuts down or removes the page.
- The page address changes without a proper redirect.
- The site moves to a new domain or folder structure.
- Files like PDFs or images are deleted or renamed.
- Content is put behind a login or paywall after you linked to it.
Link Rot vs Broken Links
Link rot is the ongoing process where links go bad over time across the web. A broken link is a single link that does not work right now. Link rot is the big problem. Broken links are the single pieces of that problem on each page.
Example of Link Rot
Imagine you write a blog post and link to a study on another website. Two years later, that website redesigns and moves the study to a new URL without a redirect. Your old link now shows a 404 error page. Your article still looks fine, but the link to the study has rotted and no longer takes readers to the correct information.
How To Prevent And Fix Link Rot
- Check links regularly Use tools that scan your site for broken links.
- Update or replace broken links Find a new working source or the updated URL.
- Use redirects If you change URLs on your own site, set 301 redirects.
- Link to stable sources Prefer official sites, trusted archives, or long term projects.
- Use web archives when needed If a page disappears, you may link to an archived copy as a backup reference.
FAQs
Is link rot normal?
Yes, link rot is common because websites often change or close. The important thing is to check and fix links regularly.
Does link rot hurt SEO?
Many broken links can make a site look outdated and poorly maintained, which can hurt user experience and may lower how search engines rate the site quality.
How often should I check for link rot?
For most websites, a full link check every few months is helpful. Large or important sites may need monthly checks.
Can internal links also rot?
Yes, internal links inside your own site can rot if you delete or move pages without proper redirects.
