Every internet user will encounter 404 pages whenever a page does not appear because a site has been moved to a new server, or because that page does not exist. A 404 page will also appear when a web address is incorrectly typed or a bad link is clicked and does not lead to the right content.
When a standard 404 error message appears, this is of little use because it simply states that the page cannot be reached, and gives the possible reasons for this. It does not provide any useful information about where to find what was on that missing page.
By putting some thought into your website’s 404 page design, it is possible to help visitors make use of it in order to find the content they were hoping to view. There is an obvious advantage to your website and your business when visitors are persuaded to continue using the site.
Proper way to do it
Image source: Tony Babel
Instead of a presenting a disappointing default error message, effective 404 page design can be used to inform visitors why the page is not accessible and what they should do next. When a search box and a resource menu can appear on the same page as the error message, this is far less frustrating for the visitor.
Your 404 message should explain that unfortunately an error or a problem has prevented access and has caused this page to appear instead. You can include a short list of possible reasons why this may have happened.
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At the very least, your 404 page should clearly show the website name and company logo, with a link back to the home page or leading to another part of your website. You might also consider providing an email address link, so that you can be contacted.
Image source: airbnb.com
It is a smart idea also to feature a search engine box, so you can collect data on what visitors where hoping to see and what information they are searching for. This will help you decide which page links to include in future on your 404 page.
Usability is the key, even on 404 pages
Image source: travel.sygic.com
Any visitor arriving on a 404 page will be slightly confused, as well as being disappointed not to have reached the right page. Help your 404 page visitors by placing a clear focus on what they need to do next, making it obvious which link they need to click.
Image source: cofamedia.com
You might consider adding some amusing content or funny images, but do remember that these can be distracting and might be confusing to some visitors.
Showcase
You can be creative with your 404 page design, if you do this in a way that will be of benefit to your website and promote your business. Then it can be used as a showcase page, designed to impress anyone who finds it by accident.
It is most important to create a 404 page that will function well, so it provides easy access to your content. It should allow visitors, who have reached it because of an error, to find their way to what they had been expecting to see when they clicked on a link or typed in a web address.
Fork
ArtStation
ArtStation is the showcase platform for games, film, media & entertainment artists. It enables artists to showcase their portfolios in a slick way, discover & stay inspired, and connect with new opportunities.
Blue Fountain Media
404 Shot
Tiny Carrier
Tiny Carrier is a web service that connects travelers and people who has a need to send or receive things. It could be personal effects like books and clothing, a product that you have someone buy because it is not available in your country.
Underbelly Creative
They’re artists and craftsmen who love to create sophisticated strategies, innovative user experiences, and enduring brands. We don’t stop tinkering until the work inspires.
Iconfinder
Working from the lovely city of Copenhagen, Denmark, they are building the world’s most popular icon site. A small team fueled by large amounts of caffeinated beverages.
GitHub
GitHub is how people build software. With a community of more than 15 million people, developers can discover, use, and contribute to over 38 million projects using a powerful collaborative development workflow.
Whether using GitHub.com or your own instance of GitHub Enterprise, you can integrate GitHub with third party tools, from project management to continuous deployment, to build software in the way that works best for you.
Emailcenter UK
Emailcenter UK Limited is an award-winning email marketing service provider currently experiencing strong year-on-year growth. Working with over 400 brands in the UK, we have more than twelve years experience in permission-based email marketing through our highly-advanced email marketing platform, which is backed by a range of email marketing solutions and services.
Astuteo
Astuteo is a web design and digital marketing firm located in Madison, Wisconsin. They specialize in helping Wisconsin manufacturers use data, design and a relentless work ethic to connect with more digital customers.
Aerolab
They are a digital agency that delivers fantastic results by bringing together the latest in design and computer science. From Websites to Mobile Apps, they design and implement custom solutions to help you achieve your marketing and sales goals. They strive to design attractive and modern interfaces with an emphasis on usability and conversions.
MailChimp
More than 12 million people in 200 countries use MailChimp to send 1 billion emails every day. They help businesses of all sizes optimize their email and e-commerce marketing with powerful and easy-to-use email, marketing automation, and analytics tools that integrate with hundreds of popular applications and services.
MailChimp is a founder-owned, highly profitable, and private company located in the heart of Atlanta.
LaCroix Design Co.
LaCroix Design Co. is a web design, product design and development studio that excels in helping businesses better connect with their audience.
Dropbox
Dropbox simplifies the way people work together. 500 million people around the world use Dropbox to work the way they want, on any device, wherever they go. With 150,000 businesses on Dropbox Business, we’re transforming everyday workflows and entire industries.
Moveline
Environmental Preservation – 404 Page
Blizzard Entertainment
Blizzard Entertainment® is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software. After establishing the Blizzard Entertainment label in 1994, the company quickly became one of the most popular and well-respected makers of computer games.
By focusing on creating well-designed, highly enjoyable entertainment experiences, Blizzard Entertainment has maintained an unparalleled reputation for quality since its inception.
404 – OMG!
404 Skull
Bluegg
Whether it’s branding, a website, an engaging infographic, content guidelines, brochures or something else entirely, their work will communicate your personality and messages effectively to your target audience.
CD Baby
Whether you love hip hop or opera, Latin jazz or folk-rock, when you buy from CD Baby, you’re not just taking home a bit of music; You’re supporting an artist’s ability to continue recording and performing. The lion’s share of the money you spend at CD Baby ends up back in the hands of the artists themselves!
Conclusion
An error can easily bring up 404 page at any time. When it does happen to your visitors, they should not be presented with an irritating default 404 page message.
Instead your visitors should be made to feel reassured that they can find their way off that page and onto the right page, or to another useful page on your website. A 404 error should not be allowed to prevent someone from viewing your content or stop them using your business website.
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