Why has my link failed the check?
When you run a Link Check, Test Centre tries to contact each destination URL in your mailing. A link only shows as working if that website sends back a response confirming the page is “alive”. Not every website does this, so a failed link doesn’t always mean the link is broken. Sometimes we simply can’t confirm its status.
Which links commonly fail?
Links that often can’t be verified include:
- Social media sites such as LinkedIn
- Company SharePoint sites or intranet pages
- Any service or web page that sits behind a login prompt
- Sites that block automated checks for security reasons
Does a failed link mean it’s broken?
Not necessarily. The link may work perfectly for your recipients. However, it could also be a genuine dead end, for example because of a typo, an expired page or an incorrect URL. That’s why it’s important to check it yourself.
What should I do if a link fails?
- Click the link in your test email or copy it into your browser to confirm it opens the right page.
- If the page needs a login, open it in a private or incognito window to see what a recipient without access will see.
- Check the URL for typos, missing characters or out-of-date addresses.
- If the link opens correctly, you can safely send your mailing. If it doesn’t, update the link and run the Link Check again.
Still need help?
If you’re unsure whether a link is working, contact our Support team and we’ll be happy to help.