What Are 404 Errors?

Imagine you're on the internet, clicking around, trying to find something interesting. But when you click on a link, instead of the webpage you wanted, you get a message saying something like "404 error." 

That means the website's server couldn't find the page you were looking for. This happens because when you click on a link, your web browser sends a message to the website's server asking for the page. 

But if the server can't find it, it sends back that 404 error message. 

What are the common causes of 404 errors?

There are many causes for 404 errors, but let's see the most frequent: 

• The page or content you're looking for has been moved or deleted, but the website's links haven't been updated.

• Wrong URL path.

• If you are accessing the page that is currently in the editing process.

• Wrong page redirection.

Soft 404 Errors

404 error occurs when a page is not available and the server sends HTTP status code - 404 Not Found. However, a SOFT 404 error occurs when the server sends status 200 OK for the page but Google treats such page like 404. This situation can arise when there is no content on the page or the content looks like an error. It's not only confusing for the user but also for search engines. 

You can find all the soft 404 errors in your Google Search Console Coverage report:

Best Practices for Custom 404 Pages

Having 404 pages on your website isn't always bad for your SEO (if they happen not because of poor website management), especially if they don't affect important pages with lots of traffic or backlinks. They're just a normal part of the internet. 

But to make sure they don't hurt your site's ranking, it's important to fix any accidental 404 errors and set up custom 404 pages that guide users back to relevant content. 

Apologize and Inform:

Most people are familiar with 404 errors, but some might be confused, so it's always a good idea to let the user know that the page they were looking for couldn't be found. 

Make the copy short, clear, and understandable, without technical details. 

Let’s see some examples: 

Or this one: 

Provide Navigation Options:

Offer users alternative navigation options to help them find what they're looking for. Include links to popular pages, a search bar, or a site map. 

Make it easy for users to explore other parts of your website:

Maintain Consistency:

Ensure that your custom 404 page reflects the overall look and feel of your website. Use consistent branding, colors, and typography to maintain a seamless user experience.

Add a CTA:

Encountering a 404 page often feels like hitting a dead-end for users, leading them to consider leaving your website. 

However, you can change this perception, consider adding a call to action that directs them to your homepage or relevant resources to keep them engaged and on your site. 

Make it stand out, see the CTA example below: 

Search Bar:

While a call to action is valuable some users prefer to search for specific items. In such cases a search bar is ideal: 

Give a Little Humor:

Emotions play a crucial role in enhancing user engagement, and injecting humor can be particularly effective. When it comes to 404 pages, users often experience feelings of disappointment or frustration. 

Add a fun image or humor into your copy (or both) to make the negative experience of receiving a  404 error into a positive one and give the user a memorable impression: 

Implementing a custom 404 page is a smart move to make your website more user-friendly and reduce the impact of running into a page not found error. 

By following these helpful tips, you can design a custom 404 page that effectively guides users back on track and enhances their experience on your website. 

If you need further assistance, don't hesitate to contact our team. We're here to help!