A recent study from the Pew Research Center has shed light on the lifespan of web pages and links on the Internet. The research revealed that 38% of web pages created in 2013 are no longer accessible. This study analyzed broken links on government and news sites, as well as Wikipedia pages.
Key Findings of the Study
The study found that 23% of news web pages and 21% of government website pages contain at least one broken link. Local government websites showed a higher prevalence of broken links. Additionally, 54% of Wikipedia pages have at least one link in the “Links” section that points to a non-existent page.
Experts also examined tweets on the social network X (formerly Twitter) over three months. Nearly one in five tweets is no longer visible on the site after this period. Some tweets disappear sooner than others, with 40% of tweets in Turkish or Arabic no longer visible within three months of publication. Furthermore, tweets from accounts using default profile settings are more likely to vanish.
For SEOs, this study underscores the importance of regular content audits and link monitoring. We’ll keep you updated on any further developments in this area.
Broader Implications for Content Management
This research highlights the transient nature of online content, emphasizing the need for ongoing maintenance of web pages and social media accounts, concludes NIX Solutions. The findings suggest that regular reviews and updates are essential to ensure the relevance and accessibility of online information.
By staying vigilant and proactive, organizations can mitigate the impact of broken links and disappearing content, maintaining a robust and user-friendly online presence.