How Often Should You Check for Broken Links?

Optimal Checking Frequency

The frequency of broken link checks depends on your website's size, update frequency, and SEO goals. Here's a recommended schedule based on different scenarios:

High-Traffic Sites (Monthly)

For sites with significant traffic and regular content updates, monthly checks are ideal. This frequency catches issues before they significantly impact SEO performance while being manageable for most teams.

Content-Heavy Sites (Bi-weekly)

If you publish content frequently or have a large site with many internal links, consider checking every two weeks. This helps maintain link health in dynamic environments.

After Major Updates

Always run a broken link check after:

• Website redesigns or migrations
• Content restructuring
• CMS updates
• Bulk content changes

Automation Benefits

Automated monitoring tools can run checks more frequently without manual intervention. Set up alerts for critical issues and schedule comprehensive scans during low-traffic periods.

Signs You Need More Frequent Checks

Increase your checking frequency if you notice:

• Rising 404 error rates
• SEO ranking drops
• User complaints about broken links
• Frequent content updates