How to fix broken links on your small business website

ARJ Labs Web Studio Published October 19, 2026.

Broken links happen when a page moves, is deleted, or a URL changes. You fix them by updating the internal link to point to the correct address or by setting up a redirect if the old page is gone. This keeps visitors and search engines from hitting dead ends. Keeping every link working is an easy way to modernize your site, so customers can find you on Google and AI tools like ChatGPT.

Links break for several common reasons. You might rename a page without updating the links that point to it. You could delete a service page that was linked from your homepage. Or, a third-party tool you embed might change its address.

You do not need to guess which links are broken. Free tools scan your site and list every dead end. Google Search Console, a free Google tool, also lists pages Google couldn't reach. Alternatively, you can use free online broken link checkers. These tools crawl your website and report URLs that return error codes.

Once you have a list, prioritize the broken links. Internal links (links to pages on your own site) are the most important to fix. They guide visitors to your services. External links (links to other websites) are less critical but still matter for credibility.

Fixing a broken link is straightforward if you know where to look. Most small business websites use a content management system or a static site builder. If ARJ Labs runs your site, the Engine keeps it updated and we fix problems fast. If you manage the site yourself, follow these steps:

  1. Locate the source page. Open the webpage that contains the broken link. Look at the text or button that is not working.
  2. Check the destination. Click the link. Note the 404 error message. Write down the broken URL.
  3. Find the correct URL. Search your site for the content that used to live at the broken address. It might have moved to a new page. If the content is gone, decide if you should delete the link or replace it with a working one.
  4. Update the link. In your website editor, replace the old URL with the new one. If you use a visual editor, click the text, find the link icon, and paste the new address. If you write raw HTML, update the href attribute.
  5. Test again. Click the link to ensure it now goes to the correct page. Save your changes.

When to use a redirect

Sometimes, the old page is gone forever. You might have retired an old service or changed your business name. In this case, simply deleting the link is not enough. You should set up a 301 redirect. A redirect tells visitors and search engines that the page has moved permanently to a new address.

For example, if your old "Pest Control" page moves to a new "Insect Removal" page, you redirect the old URL to the new one. This helps carry over the old page's search value and ensures visitors land on relevant content. You can learn more about ARJ Labs monthly care on the Services page.

Google and AI search engines crawl your site to understand what you offer. When every link works, crawlers can reach all of your pages, so new service pages have a clear path into search results. Once the links work, make each service page easy to act on with our guide to writing service pages that turn visitors into calls.

Working links keep your site easy to use for customers and easy to read for search tools, which matters for local businesses competing in areas like Dover and Portsmouth.

Get help with your website

You do not need to become a technical expert to keep your site running. ARJ Labs builds and manages websites for small local businesses. We handle the technical details so you can focus on your work. If you are unsure how to fix a link, or if you want a full audit of your site, we can help.

A Free website audit is a good first step. If you are ready for a new site, Get started: $300. After launch, the $299 a month Engine covers hosting and security, and we keep the site updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix broken links?

If ARJ Labs runs your site, the Engine keeps it updated and we fix problems fast. If you manage your own site, you can use free tools to find them and fix them yourself.

Can broken links hurt my SEO?

They can. Broken links frustrate visitors and stop crawlers from reaching pages. Fixing them keeps your pages reachable for Google and AI tools.

How do I know if a link is broken?

A broken link returns a 404 error. This means the page cannot be found. You can use free online broken link checkers to scan your site. These tools will list every URL that returns an error. You can also check Google Search Console if it is connected to your site.

Should I delete a broken link or fix it?

If the content still exists but moved, fix the link to point to the new page. If the content is deleted, you can remove the link. If the old page had traffic, set up a redirect to a relevant new page. This preserves user experience and search value.

Do I need technical skills to fix links?

Basic link fixing requires no coding knowledge. Most website builders have a simple interface to update URLs. If you are not comfortable, you can hire a web studio. If ARJ Labs runs your site, the Engine keeps it updated and we fix problems fast. You can view our scope on the Services page.