![\"\"](\"https:\/\/webdesigndev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/tubik_studio_page_404_hd.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n404 are the pages that appear once a visitor attempts to access a page that no longer exists (it was deleted, the link was broken, or the URL was mistyped).<\/p>\n
The pages owe their name to the 404 HTTP status code which indicates that the web content cannot be found.<\/p>\n
Depending on the ISP you\u2019re using, there are several types of 404 pages, but most of them won\u2019t provide useful info to the visitor on how to access your website. Basically, he or she will still be expected to locate you on their own.<\/p>\n
Creating a custom 404 page<\/a> is always a good idea. The better your 404 page is, the more helpful it will be to your visitors. It can provide them with information on how to access your website, and more importantly \u2013 motivate them to do so. I know there are some people who prefer to redirect 404 pages to the homepage<\/a>, but that isn’t the best practice in this situation.<\/p>\n
If visitors attempt to click on a broken link<\/a>, they will get a specific 404 page called Error page. This way, they will be informed that the link they are looking for is no longer active. As this is one of the most annoying things that could possibly happen to a user, it is imperative to make the error page work for you.<\/p>\n
Most website owners decide to entrust custom 404 pages to their hosts, developers, or designers, but the truth is it takes just a little know-how of your content management system (CMS) to get it done alone.<\/p>\n
The process won\u2019t be that different from creating any page on your website, as you\u2019re basically instructing the CMS to put that page in action.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, you should remember that this page should not be fully automated, as in such case it will appear on your sitemap or within the search menu.<\/p>\n
Another thing you should consider is creating an additional 403 page to handle denied access errors, so that logged out users won\u2019t get a 404 once they try to open a page.<\/p>\n
Having in mind how important 404 pages can be, business sites owners are encouraged to check theirs and see whether their potential is used to its best. As we saw before, improving a 404 page is not that much of a deal, but without experience we recommend you to contact the person in charge of your server files.<\/p>\n
The 404 HTTP code informs a search engine that a page should not be indexed, mostly due to an invalid URL that can spoil visitors\u2019 experience. Search engines will \u2018appreciate\u2019 it, as it is also in their best interest to index quality pages and results.<\/p>\n
This is how 404 pages support the work of crawlers and search engines, and how they make sure visitors get nothing but the best possible experience.<\/p>\n
– The \u2018Not Found\u2019 message should be clear and centrally positioned. Instead of beating around the bush, stay on point and let them know what happened.
\n– The design and branding of your 404 page should be consistent with your website. Use fun illustrations<\/a>, if your brand allows it. They\u2019re worth it.
\n– Suggest pages and areas the user may find interesting. We recommend links to popular products, articles, or even a search button.
\n– Go for a fun custom 404 page instead of a simple one.
\n– Make sure that the custom 404 pages don\u2019t appear on the sitemap.<\/p>\n
Truth is, most website owners overlook custom 404 pages<\/a> and prefer to automate their status and let technology do the heavy lifting.<\/p>\n
Instead of a plain error message, include a warm and welcoming greeting that won\u2019t chase users away. As you guessed by now, a large ERROR sign across the screen won\u2019t make it happen.<\/p>\n
You can motivate disappointed visitors with a free gift such as shipping vouchers, free deliveries, reports, eBooks, and so on. The trick will also work for you to turn the visitor into a customer \/ subscriber \/ loyal visitor!<\/p>\n
The ideal page to redirect random visitors is the subscription page, but you should keep in mind that you should offer something in return. A free gift is again a good idea, so think of the resources you can offer.<\/p>\n
If operating in retail, you can redirect visitors to your product pages. Make sure that those pages are easy to navigate and attractive.<\/p>\n
Instead of free gifts, you can also wrap-up attractive and expiring offers, and suggest special deals visitors can\u2019t find elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Consistency matters, which is why you need a 404 page whose connection to your website is visible at once. Insert content and titles rich with keywords and use the title and logo of your site.<\/p>\n
You can even add your sitemap or give visitors a search button to let them find what they need. We may not be able to get rid of error pages, but we can at least reap their benefits!<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/webdesigndev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/http___www.lacroixdesign.net_asdfasdfsadf.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The 404 page should contain all main links to your website so that visitors will know they’re headed in the right direction. If possible, add brief explanations of what they\u2019re about to see, and how it can be helpful to them.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/webdesigndev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Screenshot_17.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Calls-to-action buttons<\/a> are compulsory on 404 pages, as they instruct the visitor on where he\/she should go and what he\/she should do. The call-to-action button should be the first thing the visitors see once the error page pops up, so that they make the decision to proceed intuitively.<\/p>\n
404 are the pages that appear once a visitor attempts to access a page that no longer exists (it was deleted, the link was broken, or the URL … Continue \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":55385,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/webdesigndev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/404jpg.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/webdesigndev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/404_not_found.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/webdesigndev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/day8.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/webdesigndev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/234234234-01.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n