How can you prevent broken links in your business communications?

Broken links are a common problem in business communications, especially when you send or share documents, presentations, or web pages that contain hyperlinks. They can frustrate your audience, damage your credibility, and reduce the effectiveness of your message. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to prevent broken links and ensure that your content is accessible and reliable. Here are some tips to follow.

1 Check your links before sending

One of the easiest ways to prevent broken links is to check them before you send or share your communication. You can use tools like Link Checker or Broken Link Checker to scan your documents or web pages for any invalid or outdated links. Alternatively, you can manually click on each link and verify that it opens the correct destination. If you find any broken links, fix them by updating the URL, removing the link, or finding an alternative source.

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Abhijeet Shukla 🇮🇳

Co-Founder YIM | Ex-SAERA | Ex-INSPIRE intern DST | Ex-Intern Indian Railways | 200k+ content views | IMED | MBA | Content Writer | Social Entrepreneur | Freelancer | 2x IR Awardee by Govt. Of India | 2011 DST Awardee
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In my opinion, when it comes to ensure the reliability of your business communications, you should always prioritise the practice of checking all links before sending them out. This proactive approach helps in verifying that every hyperlink included in your messages directs recipients to the intended destination. Additionally, by diligently testing links prior to dissemination, you can preemptively identify and rectify any broken or outdated URLs, thereby upholding the credibility of your communications and enhancing the user experience for your audience.

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2 Use permanent links when possible

Another way to prevent broken links is to use permanent links when possible. Permanent links are URLs that do not change over time, such as those that end with .html, .pdf, or .docx. They are more stable and reliable than temporary links, such as those that are generated by online platforms, services, or databases. Temporary links may expire, change, or become unavailable due to various reasons, such as maintenance, updates, or security issues. If you have to use temporary links, make sure to inform your audience about their validity and availability.

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3 Avoid linking to third-party content

A third way to prevent broken links is to avoid linking to third-party content, such as articles, videos, or images that are hosted on other websites or platforms. Third-party content may be removed, relocated, or modified by the original owner without your knowledge or control. This can result in broken links or inaccurate information in your communication. Instead of linking to third-party content, you can either summarize, quote, or paraphrase the relevant information and cite the source, or download and attach the content to your communication with permission.

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Artjoms Timkovs

🧊 E-commerce Project Manager at IGLU Soft Play 🕊️ Member at the Red Cross
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Primary use links you can control and have access to. Anyway, be ready to update original links when they become unavailable.

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4 Use short and descriptive links

A fourth way to prevent broken links is to use short and descriptive links. Long and complex links are more prone to errors, typos, or formatting issues that can cause them to break or malfunction. They are also harder to read and remember for your audience. Short and descriptive links are easier to type, copy, paste, and follow. They also convey the purpose and content of the link more clearly. You can use tools like Bitly or TinyURL to shorten and customize your links.

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5 Test your links on different devices and browsers

A fifth way to prevent broken links is to test your links on different devices and browsers. Sometimes, a link that works on one device or browser may not work on another due to compatibility, security, or configuration issues. For example, a link that opens a PDF file on your computer may not open on your smartphone, or a link that works on Chrome may not work on Safari. To ensure that your links work for all your audience, test them on various devices and browsers and make any necessary adjustments.

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Sumona S.
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Ah, the perilous world of broken links – a real rollercoaster of frustration. To dodge this digital disaster, play it smart! Test those links like a barista tastes coffee – on various devices and browsers. Don't let your link be the drama queen that only works on one browser, be the MVP that shines everywhere! Ensure link integrity by using online tools like "W3C Link Checker." It tests links across devices and browsers, keeping your business communications seamless.

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6 Update your links regularly

A sixth way to prevent broken links is to update your links regularly. Even if your links work at the time of sending or sharing your communication, they may break or change over time due to external factors, such as website updates, domain changes, or content removal. To avoid this, you should monitor your links and update them as needed. You can use tools like LinkTiger or Dead Link Checker to automate this process and alert you of any broken links. You can also inform your audience of any changes or corrections to your links.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you prevent broken links in your business communications?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Check your links before sending

2 Use permanent links when possible

3 Avoid linking to third-party content

4 Use short and descriptive links

5 Test your links on different devices and browsers

6 Update your links regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Communications

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How can you prevent broken links in your business communications?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Check your links before sending

2 Use permanent links when possible

3 Avoid linking to third-party content

4 Use short and descriptive links

5 Test your links on different devices and browsers

6 Update your links regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Communications

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