What should you do if you identify invalid hyperlinks using link-checking software?

When you identify invalid hyperlinks using link-checking software, the most effective and responsible course of action is to manually update the code to delete or modify those invalid links. This approach helps maintain the integrity and usability of your web content, ensuring that visitors can navigate your site without encountering errors or dead links.

Invalid hyperlinks can lead to a poor user experience, which can adversely affect user trust and retention. By rectifying these links, you enhance the functionality of your website and ensure that it directs users to relevant, active content. This proactive measure is essential for maintaining effective SEO practices, as search engines also evaluate the quality and functionality of hyperlinks during indexing.

Choosing to ignore the invalid links, hoping they will resolve themselves, can lead to ongoing issues that frustrate users. Similarly, contacting the website administrator might only be necessary if the links point to external resources that are consistently problematic, but this approach does not address the immediate need for your own site's usability. Changing the hyperlink format may not resolve the underlying issue, especially if the link itself is broken or the destination page no longer exists.

Overall, taking prompt action to manually update invalid hyperlinks is fundamental to preserving the quality and effectiveness of your web design and user experience.