Check out real-world examples to help you create useful 404 pages.
What are these 404 pages you speak of Ramon???
It's when the page you want on a website does not exist. Instead you get an error page, known as 404 in the techy world.
404 page errors can frustrate users and cause them to leave your site. However, with some foresight, these errors can become an opportunity to provide help and encourage users to explore more of your website.
As said by Winston Churchill, never waste a good crisis.
404 page best practices
Creating a useful 404 error page is vital for providing a good user experience when visitors visit your website.
Here are some best design practices for crafting a user-friendly and engaging 404 page.
- Clear error message: Ensure the 404 error message is displayed and clearly states that the requested page cannot be found. Use friendly and simple language to explain the error.
- Engaging visuals: Incorporate visually appealing graphics or illustrations that align with your website’s design and brand. These visuals can help soften the frustration of encountering an error.
- Navigation options: Provide easy-to-find navigation elements that guide users back to your website’s homepage, main content, or relevant sections. Include links or buttons that make it simple for users to continue their journey.
- Search functionality: Include a search bar allowing users to look for the content they originally sought.
- Contact information: Include contact information or a link to your support/help center for users needing assistance with their specific issue.
Following these design practices can turn a frustrating error into a positive user experience and keep visitors engaged with your website, even when they encounter 404 pages.
Let's look at some good examples
1. Southwest
2. HelpScout
3. Ugg
Why are the above good examples? Because they don't let the website visitor hanging, they provide lots of options to correct the error and frustration.
In the case of Ugg they even show some products to buy right there, on the error page! May be the current promotion or most popular.
And that's how you don't let a crisis go to waste.
Now some bad examples so you know what not to do
1. Norsdstrom
2. Target
These examples are bad because they do not offer a correction, a way to go from here. Now that's bad customer service all around. And these are big brands, with lots of departments and products to offer.
See? Big business messes up too. Don't copy this from them.
How do I find a 404 page on my website?
There are a few different ways to find a 404 page on your website:
- Type in a non-existent URL. For example, www.yourwebsite.com/taco
- Click on a broken link
- Search for non-existent content in your website’s search functionality
And have your web designer make it like the good examples above. Need help? Contact us
Key Takeaways
Building better 404 pages. Well-designed error pages promote a smooth user experience, even when someone lands on a missing page.
You can create 404 pages that transform confusing dead-ends into convenient gateways for navigation, search functionality, contact information, and even sales.
