What is a 404 Error? Why is a Custom 404 Page important?

Let’s start with what’s a 404 Error? 404 errors are basically errors which appear when a user requests for a URL/page that cannot be found on the website. This means that the page was either moved to another URL or it was removed from the website.

This can be quite frustrating for viewers and creates a bad user experience which is the last thing a website owner wants. For this purpose, 404 Not Found pages are created.

The Importance of a Custom 404 Page

When the user clicks on a link to a page or image that is not available anymore on the website, instead of receiving a default HTTP 404 Error, which may result in the user leaving your website, they are conveniently displayed with a 404 page. This is a much better and interactive solution for a user as they are still on the website and are able to continue viewing other relevant resources and access links which they can navigate to instead.

WordPress themes usually come with a built in 404 Not Found page. However, a more preferred eye-catching method would be to create a custom 404 page with all the important links for the user to browse instead of navigating off your website.

How to Customise Your 404 Page?

The following could be added to your custom 404 page to keep the users busy on your website and visit other relevant or interesting pages which could turn a negative experience into a positive one:

• 1. Important blog links.
• 2. An HTML sitemap.
• 3. A search bar for the user to search for another topic or keyword they are interested in.
• 4. Contact page, in-case they want to report the page not found which they had requested for.
• 5. Consistent website layout with the header, sidebar and footer consisting of useful links and information which the user could navigate to.

Doing this not only has a positive impact on user experience but also effects the SEO of a website.

How A Funny/Creative 404 Page Can Help You

Funny or creative 404 pages are a great way to deliver the message and turn your website visitor’s frown into a smile. Having a funny or creative 404 page also makes it more likely that they will remember your website rather than if you had a generic 404 error message. It’s all about making the best of a bad situation. When a 404-error page comes up, it can be frustrating for the user. So, by delivering the message with a creative or funny visual and message, you can make the situation better and make a strong impression on the user.

To build a website that’s responsive, engaging and creative, get in touch with the experts at Clixpert. Call us on 1300 254 973