Is a 301 redirect always the best fix for a 404?

No. A 301 is best only when the destination fully satisfies the same intent. If the broken URL represents distinct demand, recreating or consolidating the content may be better.

When should a 404 remain unfixed?

A 404 can remain when the URL has no strategic value, no useful intent, no authority, no meaningful traffic, and no equivalent page. Random bot noise and spam paths do not need redirects.

Decide Fast: 301 vs Recreate vs Merge

Use a practical decision tree to choose the right remediation pattern while avoiding soft 404s, intent mismatch, cannibalization, and equity dilution.

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