How to Fix Broken Image Links on a Website?

Broken image links can damage a website’s user experience, negatively affect its SEO, and create an unprofessional look. Fixing these issues is essential to ensure your website’s visually appealing and functional. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to identify and fix broken image links on your website effectively.

What Causes Broken Image Links?

Broken image links occur when an image fails to load correctly on a webpage. Several factors can cause this issue, including:

Incorrect File Path: If the file path or URL of the image is wrong, the browser won’t be able to find it.
Image File Moved or Deleted: When an image is moved to another folder or deleted from the server, the original link becomes invalid.
Changes in Website URL: Changing the URL structure or moving to a new domain without updating image paths can lead to broken links.
Server Issues: Temporary or permanent issues with the server can prevent images from loading properly.
File Format Errors: Using an unsupported file format or incorrect file extension can also lead to broken images.

How to Identify Broken Image Links on Your Website?

Before fixing broken image links, you must identify them. Here are some methods to find these issues:

1. Manual Inspection

Visit each page of your website manually.
Look for missing images indicated by placeholders or “X” marks.
Note down the affected pages and the specific images that are broken.

2. Use Browser Developer Tools

Open your website in Google Chrome or another browser.
Right-click on the page and select “Inspect” or press Ctrl + Shift + I (Windows) or Cmd + Option + I (Mac).
Navigate to the “Console” tab to view any errors related to images.
The console will display any broken image links along with the reasons for the issue.

3. Use Online Broken Link Checker Tools

Utilize tools like Broken Link Checker or Dead Link Checker to scan your website.
These tools provide a detailed report of all broken image links, making it easier to identify issues.

4. Use Website Audit Tools

SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Screaming Frog have website auditing features.
Run a site audit and filter the results to show broken image links.

Steps to Fix Broken Image Links

Once you have identified the broken image links on your website, follow these steps to fix them:

1. Correct the Image URL or File Path

Double-check the image URL to ensure it points to the correct location on your server.
If the image was moved or renamed, update the link to match the new file path.
Use relative URLs if possible to avoid issues when changing domains or file structures.

2. Re-upload the Image

If the image file was accidentally deleted, re-upload it to the appropriate directory on your server.
Ensure that the file name matches the one specified in the image link.

3. Address Technical Issues Causing Broken Images

Image File Was Moved or Deleted: Place the image in the correct folder and ensure that the image path and name match the URL.
URL Path Points to a Local PC Location: If the URL contains words like “My Documents” or “Desktop,” correct it to point to the image stored on the server or CDN.
Wrong Filename or Extension: Check for typos, such as using “jpg” instead of “jpeg,” or mix-ups between hyphens and underscores. URLs are case-sensitive, so ensure the file name matches exactly.
Relative URL Instead of Absolute URL: Replace relative URLs with absolute URLs that include the domain name to prevent broken images when linking from other domains.
HTTP to HTTPS Transition: Ensure that images are served with the correct protocol (HTTPS instead of HTTP) to avoid mixed content issues.

4. Fix Hotlinking Issues

Hotlinking occurs when someone links to an image hosted on another website without using their server.
Avoid hotlinking by using your server to host images. If a linked image is removed by the original host, the image will break on your site.

5. Check File Permissions

Ensure that the image files on your server have the correct permissions (read, write, and execute).
Incorrect permissions can restrict access to the image, causing it to appear as a broken link.

6. Browser Settings Check

Some browsers may block images due to settings configured by the user.
In Google Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings, and make sure that “Sites can show images” and “Sites can use JavaScript” are enabled.

7. Use an Image CDN (Content Delivery Network)

A CDN can host your images on multiple servers worldwide.
This reduces the likelihood of broken image links due to server issues or geographic limitations.
Popular CDNs include Cloudflare, Amazon CloudFront, and KeyCDN.

How does SEO Repair Kit help to Fix Broken Image Links on a Website?

The SEO Repair Kit is a valuable tool for fixing broken image links on a website by streamlining the process of detecting and resolving these issues. It works by automatically scanning your site to identify missing or broken image links that can negatively impact your SEO performance and user experience. Once the broken links are detected, the SEO Repair Kit provides clear suggestions on how to fix them, whether by replacing the image, correcting the URL path, or redirecting to an alternative image. This tool simplifies the task of image link management, ensuring that all visual elements on your site are properly displayed, enhancing your site’s search engine rankings, and providing a better experience for visitors.

Best Practices to Prevent Broken Image Links

To avoid encountering broken image links in the future, consider implementing these best practices:

1. Use Descriptive File Names

Always use descriptive file names for your images that relate to their content.
Avoid using generic names like “image1.jpg” or “photo.png,” which can be easily mixed up.

2. Maintain a Consistent File Structure

Keep your image files organized in a consistent folder structure on your server.
Avoid renaming or moving image files without updating the associated file paths.

3. Implement Redirects for Moved Images

If you need to move an image to a different location, set up a 301 redirect.
This ensures that the old link automatically points to the new image location.

4. Regularly Monitor Your Website

Regularly audit your website for broken image links using automated tools.
This will help you quickly identify and fix any issues before they affect your site’s performance.

5. Backup Your Website

Regularly back up your website to prevent data loss.
You can quickly restore your images in case of accidental deletions or server failures.

Bottom Line

Fixing broken image links is crucial for enhancing a website’s user experience and SEO performance. Broken links can result from issues like incorrect file paths, server errors, or changes in URL structures. Identifying these issues using tools like browser developer tools, online link checkers, or website audit tools is key. The SEO Repair Kit simplifies this process by automatically detecting and offering solutions for broken links. Adopting best practices, such as using descriptive file names, maintaining consistent file structures, and regularly auditing your site, can help prevent these issues and keep your website functioning smoothly.