404 errors can be a major headache for any eCommerce store owner. For shoppers, these errors can lead to frustration, confusion, and, most importantly, abandoned shopping experiences. In fact, 74% of visitors to an eCommerce store that encounter a 404 error leave and never return, costing businesses significant revenue losses. For agencies managing multiple eCommerce clients, addressing these errors is essential. Fortunately, there are various Shopify 404 error tools that can minimize the impact of these issues and recover lost sales. Here, we’ll explore the top eCommerce tools for agencies around 404 error solutions and why agencies should prioritize NotFoundBot, especially considering its affiliate programs for Shopify.
The Problem with 404 Errors in eCommerce
When an online shopper encounters a 404 error, it often signals the end of their journey. Whether it’s a product page that no longer exists or a typo in the URL, most visitors will not attempt to navigate back to find what they were looking for. This is why 404 errors are more than just technical issues; they’re potential sales killers. Shopify stores, in particular, need specialized tools to ensure these errors don’t drive customers away for good.
As an agency, it’s crucial to offer clients robust 404 error apps for Shopify to prevent these losses and boost conversions. A well-implemented solution will automatically guide users back on track and ensure they find the products or pages they need. Let’s take a look at some of the top eCommerce 404 error solutions.
1. NotFoundBot: The Ultimate Solution
NotFoundBot is a powerful tool designed specifically to combat the problem of 404 errors in eCommerce stores, particularly those on Shopify. Not only does it help businesses recover lost sales, but it also offers several features that streamline error management. Agencies working with Shopify merchants can confidently recommend this tool to their clients, knowing it delivers a high ROI and seamless integration.
Key Features of NotFoundBot:
- Auto-Redirect and Assisted Redirect: NotFoundBot uses advanced AI to determine the intent of the visitor when they land on a 404 page. If the system is confident about where the user wanted to go, it will automatically redirect them to the correct page. If not, the tool offers an assisted redirect that suggests potential pages or products the user may be searching for.
- AI-Powered Chat Guidance: If the visitor doesn’t find what they need through the auto-redirect, NotFoundBot’s AI chat feature helps by providing recommendations based on the user’s input, further improving the likelihood of conversion.
- 404 Error Analytics: Unlike Shopify and Google Analytics, which lack native 404 tracking, NotFoundBot provides turnkey 404 error analytics. Store owners can easily view error reports, track the most common 404 URLs, and monitor how many errors have been resolved.
Return on Investment (ROI):
One of the standout features of NotFoundBot is its ROI. The tool boasts an impressive 1,289% average monthly return on investment for Shopify stores, with recovered sales often exceeding the cost of the app. Agencies can leverage this data to show clients the tangible benefits of using NotFoundBot.
Affiliate Benefits:
For agencies and developers, NotFoundBot offers an attractive affiliate program. By referring clients to NotFoundBot, affiliates can earn up to 30% recurring revenue for the life of the subscription. This creates a win-win situation: agencies help their clients fix 404 errors and boost sales, while earning a reliable source of passive income.
Pricing Plans:
- Free Forever: The Free Forever plan includes basic 404 analytics and assisted redirects. It’s ideal for small stores just getting started.
- Growth Plan: At $9 per month for up to 15,000 visitors, this plan includes auto-redirects and email support, making it a great choice for growing businesses.
- Enterprise Plan: For larger stores with custom needs, NotFoundBot offers bespoke pricing and support.
2. Link Whisper
Another great tool for handling 404 errors is Link Whisper. Though originally designed for internal linking optimization, Link Whisper helps eCommerce stores address broken links, including 404 errors. It allows Shopify store owners to easily identify and fix broken links that can lead to 404 pages, improving user experience and SEO rankings.
Key Features:
- Broken Link Detection: Quickly scan your site to find all internal and external broken links.
- Smart Suggestions: Link Whisper suggests potential links based on context, helping you repair or replace broken links.
While not as comprehensive and realtime to users as NotFoundBot, Link Whisper is still a valuable tool for agencies looking to manage 404 errors efficiently. It’s an excellent addition to the toolkit for clients focused on SEO and link-building strategies.
3. Rewind: Recover Lost Data
Rewind is primarily a data recovery tool, but it can help eCommerce stores recover lost pages that could result in 404 errors. Accidental deletions are one of the leading causes of 404 pages, especially when an entire product catalog or important page goes missing. With Rewind, Shopify store owners can restore their sites to a previous state, preventing 404 errors from deleted content.
Key Features:
- Automated Backups: Automatically back up your store, including product listings, themes, and customer data.
- Easy Restore: Restore your store to any previous version with a few clicks, making it easy to recover accidentally deleted content that could cause 404 errors.
Rewind is a critical safety net for Shopify store owners and is highly recommended for clients who frequently update their stores.
4. Broken Link Checker
Broken Link Checker is a useful app that constantly monitors your site for broken links that could lead to 404 errors. It’s particularly effective for agencies managing multiple client sites, as it offers a comprehensive view of all link errors across websites. This tool will notify you the moment a broken link is detected, allowing quick fixes to be made.
Key Features:
- Scheduled Alerts: Schedule frequent scans and get notifications when a broken link is found.
- Comprehensive Reports: Detailed reports on all broken links, including internal and external URLs.
While Broken Link Checker doesn’t offer the advanced redirection features of NotFoundBot, it’s still a handy tool for agencies that need to keep an eye on link integrity across multiple client stores.
Why Agencies Should Recommend These eCommerce Tools
For agencies working with Shopify stores, offering solutions to fix 404 errors is a no-brainer. These errors are often overlooked by store owners but have a direct impact on sales and customer retention. By recommending these 404 error eCommerce tools, agencies can significantly boost the performance of their clients’ stores while providing a high level of customer satisfaction.
Affiliate Programs for Shopify Agencies
One of the key benefits of recommending NotFoundBot is its affiliate program. Agencies that integrate NotFoundBot into their clients’ Shopify stores not only provide a valuable service but also create a new revenue stream for themselves. The affiliate program is simple: once a client subscribes to NotFoundBot, the agency earns a recurring commission, up to 30%, for the lifetime of the subscription.
This commission model is particularly beneficial for agencies that manage multiple Shopify stores. The more clients an agency refers, the greater the earnings, creating a sustainable source of passive income while helping clients fix 404 errors. See this post for other affiliate programs for Shopify agencies.
Final Thoughts on eCommerce Tools for Agencies
Agencies managing Shopify stores have a responsibility to ensure that their clients’ websites are optimized for both user experience and sales conversions. Addressing 404 errors is a critical part of this process. Tools like NotFoundBot, Link Whisper, Rewind, and Broken Link Checker offer robust solutions to prevent lost sales from 404 errors, helping stores retain customers and recover revenue.
NotFoundBot stands out as the top solution due to its advanced AI-powered redirection, turnkey analytics, and attractive affiliate program. With an average ROI of 1,289% and the ability to earn recurring commissions, it’s a must-have for agencies looking to deliver value to their clients while growing their own business.