broken link checker · 9 min read
Broken Link Checker: How to Find Broken Links Before Publishing
Learn why broken links matter, how to check internal and external URLs, interpret HTTP responses, and fix link problems before they affect visitors.
A broken link may look like a small mistake, but it can cost you a visit, a customer message, or a campaign result. That is why links should be checked before they are published in articles, advertisements, emails, or website pages.
Checking a link is not only about confirming that it opens. You also need to make sure it leads to the intended page, does not send users somewhere unexpected, and contains no typing errors.
In this guide, we will explain when to check links, what warning signs deserve attention, and how link checking fits into UTM tracking and marketing campaigns.
When should you check a link?
Check links before publishing an article, launching a campaign, sending an email, or placing a URL in an advertisement. The more commercially or strategically important the link is, the more important it is to verify it.
Do not assume a link is correct simply because you copied it from the browser. A space can be added accidentally, a character can be removed, or you may publish an outdated version of the URL.
What should you verify?
Make sure the link returns a valid response, opens the intended page, and does not end on an error page. Pay attention to redirects as well. Some are perfectly normal, while others may indicate that the URL is outdated or unnecessarily indirect.
If the URL belongs to a campaign, confirm that the UTM parameters are present and correct and that the final link still works after they are added.
- The link opens without an error.
- The final destination is the intended page.
- UTM parameters contain no mistakes.
- There are no extra spaces or unwanted characters.
Common link mistakes
Common mistakes include copying a URL from an admin area that ordinary users cannot access, publishing a link that contains a temporary session, or using a shortened URL without knowing its final destination.
A link may also work for you because you are signed in while failing for a normal visitor. When possible, open important links in a private browsing window or test them from a visitor’s point of view.
Checking links inside articles
Before publishing an article, review both internal and external links. Internal links help users move through your site, but incorrect ones create a poor experience and can interrupt an otherwise useful page.
Review the anchor text as well. Avoid naming every link “click here.” A useful link label should tell the reader where the link leads.
Checklist before publishing a link
Open the link, review the final destination, test it after adding any UTM parameters, and make sure the surrounding anchor text is clear.
These checks take very little time, but they can prevent expensive mistakes, especially in paid campaigns.
How broken links affect the visitor experience
When a visitor clicks a link and reaches an error page, trust can disappear quickly. The problem is not only about SEO; it is a user-experience issue. A broken link interrupts the journey the user expected to follow.
This matters especially on tool pages and educational articles. If you promise a tool or guide and the link leads to a missing page, the visitor is more likely to leave than search the site manually.
Link checking is therefore not a cosmetic task. It is part of page quality before publication.
What should you do with a broken link?
If the link is internal, correct the path or create an appropriate redirect when the page URL has changed. If it is external, look for a reliable replacement or remove the link if it no longer adds value.
Do not leave a broken URL in an article simply because it seems unimportant. A small link may be the exact path a visitor needs to reach the promised tool or source.
Conclusion
Link checking is a small but important step. Verify the URL before publication, confirm the final destination, and make sure a simple mistake does not undermine a page or campaign.