Chances are high you’ve landed on a 404 error web page earlier than. Whether or not you’ve arrived on a 404 error web page due to a easy typo or since you have been in search of a web page that not exists, most individuals discover being unable to search out what they’re on the lookout for to be a irritating expertise. A significant a part of operating a profitable web site is staying alert for errors like damaged pages or gradual efficiency. Nevertheless, typically there are issues you simply can’t keep away from, and 404 errors are amongst them. The excellent news? With just a little ingenuity, you’ll be able to rework your 404 error web page right into a advertising and marketing asset.
A 404 happens when a consumer requests a web page in your web site that doesn’t exist, thus throwing a 404 error web page and prompting customers to return to the proper place. Regardless of what number of assets you throw into guaranteeing your web site is as seamless as attainable, there’s all the time an opportunity customers will find yourself on a 404 error web page. Right here’s what that you must learn about 404 error pages, learn how to repair 404 error pages, and even some examples of inventive examples that can assist mitigate the frustration of touchdown right here.
What’s a 404 Error?
First issues first: What even is a 404 error? This customary HTTP error message code indicators the web site you have been making an attempt to succeed in could not be discovered on the server. It is a client-side error, that means both the webpage was eliminated or moved, and the URL wasn’t modified accordingly, or the individual simply typed within the URL incorrectly. There are additionally different causes a 404 error may pop up, together with an issue with DNS or an error with caching.
For essentially the most half, you’ll be able to configure your server to create a custom-made 404 error web page. (Should you use HubSpot, click on right here to learn to customise your 404 web page in HubSpot.)
Some custom-made 404 error pages embody a hero picture, witty description, website map, search type, or primary contact info. Our 404 error web page additionally consists of extra hyperlinks guests can click on — which is a worthwhile add because it retains them on the web site.
Easy methods to Repair 404 Error Pages
There are a number of methods to repair 404 errors in your web site and guarantee your guests land on a viable web page the place they’ll discover the data they want. Let’s stroll via a few of the greatest methods to sort out fixing a 404 error web page.
Redirect to a useful web page.
Maybe one of the best ways to deal with a 404 error is to redirect your guests to a useful web page in your web site. This retains the customer in your website, which is a serious plus. Nevertheless, bear in mind the objective of a profitable 404 error web page is to scale back customer frustration. Due to this fact, redirecting guests to the ecommerce portion of your website after they’re in search of an info web page about your staff most likely is not the most effective match.
Guarantee you do not have hyperlinks resulting in deleted pages.
When you’ve got a weblog in your web site and your posts function hyperlinks to pages which have since been deleted, guests studying the posts will expertise a 404 message popping up. By trying via your weblog posts (or different pages) and guaranteeing that your hyperlinks are updated, you’ll be able to cut back the chance that guests may have a pesky 404 error message on their display screen anytime quickly.
Point out that clearing caching can assist.
One other quick-and-easy resolution? In your 404 error web page, you’ll be able to point out to guests that typically, caching points trigger these messages to seem. Due to this fact, you’ll be able to counsel that guests merely clear their cache to resolve the difficulty effectively.
Observe frequent spelling errors.
As we talked about earlier, typically the explanation why error pages pop up is as a result of guests are incorrectly typing within the area. Should you discover that guests typically misspell the trail that results in your pages, you might take into account redirecting that misspelling to the specified web page.
The Greatest 404 Error Internet Web page Examples
The excellent news? Your 404 error web page is a chance to make a memorable impression in your guests after they don’t land precisely the place they hoped.
Over time, web sites have discovered other ways to tell guests of a 404 error and channel them again to the proper place, some merely, some creatively, and a few hilariously. Listed below are some 404 error web page examples that delight.
Web page Not Discovered: Inventive 404 Error Pages
1. Pipcorn
Whereas a 404 web page can simply stand out from an internet site, Pipcorn’s error web page aligns completely with the remainder of the location’s branding. There’s a visually interesting animated background, a pleasant textual content immediate directing guests to look the web site, and a chunk of popcorn used because the “0” in “404.”
2. Spotify
Music streaming large Spotify has coated its bases with a intelligent 404 web page. With a witty pun and a light-hearted report animation, the web site briefly entertains after which sends guests again to the web page they got here from. Or, they’ll simply navigate to the FAQ or Group web page.
3. Genially
One easy method to ease the strain in your 404 web page is so as to add a fast “Oops!” message — it helps your website really feel extra personable as you information customers again to the proper place. Within the case of Genially’s website, the web page additionally features a nifty illustration paired with some playful copy.
4. Adobe
As you’ll anticipate, Adobe’s 404 error web page is beneficial and visually pleasing. One of the vital distinctive issues it does is provide easy accessibility to Adobe’s hottest merchandise.
5. Clorox
The 404 web page for Clorox cleansing merchandise rotates between three lighthearted pictures to sign to guests that they’ve made a misstep. It’s a wise use of branding so as to add a quick delight second whereas serving to out misplaced customers.
6. Duma Collective
Different instances, you won’t want a witty blurb — simply inform guests that there’s no web page on the handle and allow them to transfer on. Leisure consulting company Duma Collective does simply this with its error web page, although it’s complemented by a background picture for some minor aptitude.
7. Bitly
Should you enter an incorrect Bitly hyperlink, you’ll be taken to Bitly’s 404 web page. We assume this occurs a good quantity, which is why the 404 web page will get straight to the purpose. It explains what might need gone mistaken and prompts customers to go to the Bitly homepage if that’s what they’re after.
8. Ikea
Ikea’s 404 web page is equally minimalist however nonetheless manages to sneak some sensible branding in there. This instance exhibits that your error pages don’t have to be elaborate to get the purpose throughout, however there’s nothing mistaken with injecting some enjoyable, both.
9. Moxie Design Co.
Positive, “blew up the Web” could be a bit hyperbolic, but it surely tells guests that Moxie Design Co. doesn’t take itself too critically with small slip-ups like this one. Additionally, a search bar is conveniently positioned on the backside to ship you in your approach.
10. McKissack & McKissack
Ah, the basic “we misplaced the web page” trick. Once more, a straightforward method to current a 404 with out alienating your viewers. Should you’re an company like McKissack & McKissack that manages many consumer interactions, clear and concise copy is crucial for all of your website’s pages, together with error pages.
11. CSS Methods
Ever ripped away an internet site’s wrapping to see what’s beneath? That is the idea that CSS Methods was going for of their 404 error web page. That is each witty and harking back to what the web site is all about: Sensible use of web page styling.
12. Good Outdated Video games
For different web sites, you unwrap the entrance finish and there is … simply the huge vacancy of house. This web page is a intelligent reference to GOG Galaxy, which is Good Outdated Video games’ native online game consumer. Fortunately, just a little online game character is there to present guests a spot to report an error if they need.
13. Myriad
Video company Myriad has opted for a unusual, on-brand 404 error web page design that mimics the basic SMPTE coloration bars that seem on previous tapes and TVs. It’s a humorous throwback to older applied sciences whereas representing the extra fashionable drawback of a nonexistent net web page.
14. KonMari
Recognized for her common cleansing and group strategies and model, Marie Kondo has introduced an identical really feel to her web site’s 404 web page. The copy briefly and humorously harkens again to her tidying philosophy — a small however well-branded element that followers will acknowledge.
15. BrandCrowd
Not solely is the illustration on this error web page detailed and fascinating — the copy is intelligent, too. We love the reference to the Semisonic track “Closing Time:” “You may click on wherever else, however you’ll be able to’t click on right here.”
16. Scorching Dot Productions
Scorching Dot’s error web page stays true to its tagline, “the intersection of recent applied sciences and design.” The web page is animated by a whole lot of tiny dots that change course in response to the place you progress your cursor. It is mesmerizing and an ideal showcase of the company’s design capabilities.
17. OrangeCoat
If you are going to give an error message, why not entertain the consumer for a number of seconds when you assist them out? Following a pleasant greeting, OrangeCoat presents a flowchart that truly helps customers work out why they reached an error web page within the first place.
18. Ervin & Smith
This 404 web page does greater than redirect customers again to energetic pages. As a substitute, Ervin & Smith’s 404 web page invitations you to scroll down and study why you want a digital advertising and marketing company, and why to decide on Ervin & Smith specifically, capped off with a contact type. True to its mission, this company exhibits that any web page generally is a conversion alternative.
19. DayCloud Studios
… or, your 404 can simply be a spot for guests to take pleasure in your web site for a minute, as will be seen on the web site for DayCloud Studios. Transferring the cursor across the display screen reveals a 404 message illuminated by lasers capturing from a cat’s eyes. As a result of why not?
20. Headspace
One other occasion of an internet site neatly incorporating its model messaging right into a 404 web page — guided meditation app Headspace makes an effort to calm customers, encouraging us to take a deep breath, then return to the principle website.
21. Wildwood Bakery
Some web sites to date have built-in intelligent branded copy of their pages, whereas others have hosted full-blown on-line video games on theirs. However, there’s nothing mistaken with a quick push again in the proper course. Wildwood Bakery’s beautiful website retains issues quick and candy (actually).
Web page Not Discovered: Humorous 404 Error Pages
22. Astuteo
Design company Astuteo’s 404 web page is an ideal stability of stylish visuals, humor, and helpfulness. The minimal structure provides customers the data they want alongside one other amusing visible metaphor, a sinking cargo ship and a fleeing determine.
23. LEGO
There are few phrases wanted on LEGO’s 404 error web page — the character’s expression makes all the things clear. Plus, followers of the LEGO film franchise will benefit from the enjoyable reference within the copy.
24. Magnt
On this humorous error message, Magnt pokes enjoyable at the truth that, sure, they may have damaged one thing — or, you simply cannot kind. The visible serves as a fast method to rapidly illustrate their level. Plus, it’s efficient, because it reminds guests to verify their URLs and ensure they’ve spelled all the things proper.
25. IconFinder
IconFinder’s error web page is straightforward however pleasant. The corporate’s mascot carrying a gown and showing weary is a relatable nod to misplaced guests. No worries although, for the reason that website lists a few of its hyperlinks to go to down under.
26. GitHub
The road “These aren’t the droids you are on the lookout for” refers to Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Jedi thoughts trick on Stormtroopers in Star Wars Episode IV, and it is change into a widely known phrase used to inform somebody they’re pursuing the mistaken plan of action. GitHub performs on this well-known line of their 404 error message.
27. Patagonia
Patagonia’s customized 404 web page captures the model’s vibe completely. We love the cheeky textual content that reads “Please strive sticking the touchdown on one other web page.”
28. AMC Theatres
You might need been to an AMC movie show earlier than, however you’ve hopefully by no means seen their web site’s 404 web page. The web site makes use of a fast, humorous, and related one-liner earlier than it sends you again to the proper place.
29. Bruno
It’s no coincidence that inventive companies are nice at arising with cool 404 pages. Right here’s one other one from the creatives at Bruno that performs off the 2000 cult comedy basic Dude, The place’s My Automotive? No, it has nothing to do with the corporate or web site, but it surely’s certain to get a chuckle.
30. NPR
At first, NPR’s error web page looks like nothing particular. However preserve studying and you will see how they cleverly hyperlink to a few of their nice tales about misplaced individuals, locations, and issues, like a chunk on Amelia Earhart and one on Waldo. This may simply make misplaced customers really feel rather less alone.
31. Medium
Medium takes an identical method to NPR’s 404 web page, recommending articles about getting misplaced and shedding issues. Examine these articles out if in case you have time — they’re fairly good reads.
32. HomeStarRunner
HomeStarRunner.com, house to a Flash-animated cartoon sequence, has had a sequence of hilarious 404 error pages over time. The latest options characters from the cartoon sequence in a scene that would’ve come straight out of one among their episodes. Should you flip the sound on once you load the web page, you will hear their character Robust Dangerous — identified for yelling phrases out loud — saying, “404’d!”
33. Blizzard Leisure
Here is a easy concept that finally ends up trying slick: Blizzard Leisure’s 404 web page options an animated character misplaced in an precise blizzard and a few humor that World of Warcraft followers will recognize.
34. Howdy Massive Concept
A fast journey round advertising and marketing and social media consultants Howdy Massive Concept’s web site will inform you what that you must learn about its daring and blunt type of copy. And, in fact, its 404 error web page isn’t any exception.
35. HubSpot
It occurs to us, too! That is the message we put as much as inform our website guests that there are some web site points. Our objective was to remain true to HubSpot’s model voice by being as empathetic and useful as attainable.
Flip a 404 Error Web page Right into a Pleasant Second
No person desires to land on a 404 web page — they’re annoying and sudden. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to’t actually keep away from them, so it’s all the time a good suggestion to have a 404 web page to fall again on in your web site.
And, from a consumer expertise perspective, your 404 web page must be a small pace bump, not a brick wall. The best design will be the distinction between a annoyed bounce and a attainable conversion, so why not make it enjoyable?
Editor’s be aware: This put up was initially printed in December 2015 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.