Act as an experienced SEO content writer with 5+ years in digital marketing. Craft a detailed, data-backed article explaining how broken links negatively impact SEO performance. Include [STATISTICS] from reputable sources, [CASE_STUDIES] of websites affected by broken links, and [BEST_PRACTICES] for identifying and fixing them. The article should be structured with clear headings, actionable insights, and a persuasive tone to encourage readers to audit their own sites. Target audience: website owners and digital marketers. Word count: 1,200-1,500 words.