404 error due to a image that no longer exist

Hello,

We apologize for the issue you are facing with the 404 errors due to images that no longer exist. Thank you for raising this concern.

To address your questions:

1. How to remove the 404 errors?
   To remove 404 errors related to images that no longer exist, you can take the following steps:

   • Remove the Broken Links: If the images are permanently removed, you should update your content to remove any references to these images. This includes updating your posts or pages where these images were used.
   • Use 301 Redirects: If the images have been moved to a new location, consider setting up 301 redirects from the old image URLs to the new ones. This will help preserve any link equity and guide users to the correct location.
   • Update Your Sitemap: After making changes, ensure that your sitemap is updated to reflect the current state of your website. You can regenerate your sitemap using Rank Math and submit it to Google Search Console.

2. If we don’t fix this error, does it affect our SEO?
   Yes, having multiple 404 errors can negatively impact your SEO. Search engines may interpret a high number of 404 errors as a sign of poor site maintenance, which can affect your site’s credibility and ranking. Additionally, if users encounter broken links, it can lead to a poor user experience, increasing bounce rates and potentially lowering conversions.

For more detailed guidance on handling 404 errors, you can refer to our knowledge base article on fixing soft 404 errors here.

If you have further questions or need assistance with specific steps, please reply to this ticket, and a human agent from the Rank Math Support team will assist you further.

Thank you for your understanding!

Sources:
How to Fix the Submitted URL Seems to Be a “Soft 404” Error » Rank Math