How to Create a Customizable 404 Error Page

How to Create a Customizable 404 Error Page

Improve user experience with our customizable 404 error page feature! Instead of the generic error page, redirect users to a custom webpage that matches your brand. It's a simple and effective way to engage users, even when they encounter errors.

What is the Customizable 404 Error Page?

A customizable 404 error page is a feature that lets you replace the standard "Page Not Found" message with a page you design. When users encounter a broken or unavailable webpage on your site, they usually see a generic error page. This page can be unhelpful and disrupt the user's experience, potentially leading them to leave your site.

With a customizable 404 error page, you can turn this situation around. You can design the page to match your brand's style, including your logo, colors, and fonts. But it's not just about the appearance. A good custom 404 page also provides helpful information and options to the user.

You can explain why they're seeing the error in a friendly way. Additionally, you can include links to other parts of your site, like the homepage, popular products, or contact page. This gives users the next step and encourages them to explore your site further instead of leaving because of the error.

What are some good usage cases for this feature?

404 errors, also known as "Page Not Found" errors, happen when a webpage doesn't exist on the server. This can occur due to different reasons:

Broken or Dead Links: When old links on your website or links from other sites lead to non-existent pages, users encounter a 404 error.

Example: If a blog article you linked to gets deleted, anyone clicking on that link will see a 404 error. A custom 404 page could apologize and provide links to recent posts.

URL Changes Without Redirection: Changing a page's URL without setting up a redirect causes 404 errors for users trying to access the old URL.

Example: After updating product URLs, customers with old bookmarks may face 404 errors. A custom 404 page could guide them to search or browse product categories.

User Typing Error: When users manually type a URL incorrectly, a 404 error occurs.

Example: If a user mistypes a URL, a custom 404 page could kindly suggest checking the URL or offering links to the homepage and popular pages.

Deleted Pages: Removing a page from your website results in 404 errors for users attempting to access that page.

Example: If old news articles are deleted, users trying to access them encounter a 404 error. A custom 404 page could redirect them to explore the latest articles.

Custom 404 pages help improve user experience by providing helpful information and alternative navigation options when users encounter 404 errors.

Benefits Of Customizing The 404 Page

Improved User Experience: A well-designed 404 page improves the user experience by providing helpful information and options to navigate elsewhere on your site. 

Brand Consistency: It maintains brand consistency reinforcing your brand identity and professionalism.

Reduced Bounce Rate: A helpful 404 page with links and options can make users stay on your site instead of leaving. This reduces your site's bounce rate.

Opportunity For Engagement: A 404 page can be an opportunity to surprise and engage users. Some websites use creative content, interesting facts, or interactive elements to make their 404 pages more engaging.

SEO Benefits: Although 404 errors themselves don't hurt your SEO; they can affect user experience. Custom 404 pages that redirect users to active parts of your site can help maintain your SEO performance.

Guidance: A custom 404 page can help users find their way back to a working page on your site, preventing them from feeling lost or frustrated.

Overall, a customizable 404 error page is a small but impactful feature that enhances user perception and interaction with your site.

How to Choose a 404 Error Page for your domain?

Create a page to use as your domain's 404 error page:

To create a custom 404 error page for your website, you'll need to use a Funnel or Website Builder. 

Go to Sites > Funnels/Websites and choose any of your funnels using the domain for which you create the 404 page. Create and customize the page as you like.

NOTE: IT IS RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A UNIQUE 404/ERROR PAGE FOR EVERY DOMAIN.

Choosing the domain's default 404 page:

Go to Settings > Domains > Edit your domain with the pencil icon. Click on the “Set Default 404/Error Page” dropdown. Choose the Funnel/Website page you created as the 404 Error page, then click “Save”.

Once you've selected your custom 404/error page, users who encounter a 404 error on your site will automatically be redirected to your custom 404 page.

Can I track the performance of my custom 404 error page?

By using tools like Google Analytics, you can track the performance of your custom 404 error page. It allows you to see how many times users land on this page and what actions they take afterward. This data helps you understand the frequency of encountering the 404 page and provides insights into user behavior.

Is having more than one custom 404 error page possible within one Funnel/Website?

It is generally recommended to have one consistent 404 page across your entire website for brand consistency and a better user experience. However, if your website has distinct sections, such as a blog and an e-commerce store, creating separate 404 pages for each section might be a suitable approach.

Does having a custom 404 error page affect my site's SEO?

While 404 errors themselves do not directly affect your site's SEO, having a custom 404 page can indirectly contribute to a better user experience, which is important for SEO. It can also help guide users back to active pages on your site, keeping traffic and engagement levels healthy.

I've created a custom 404 page, but users still see the default error page. What could be the problem?

If you're experiencing issues with your custom 404 page not working correctly, it could be due to server configuration problems or errors in setting it up. To resolve this, it's recommended to reach out to our Support team or your hosting provider for assistance.

Can I use multimedia elements (like video or audio) on my custom 404 error page?

You can include the same elements on your 404 page as you would on any other page of your website. However, it's important to strike a balance between creativity and usability. The elements you add should improve the user's experience rather than confuse or frustrate them.

How often should I update my custom 404 error page?

It's important to regularly review and update your 404 page to keep it effective and in line with your brand and website changes. If you make any updates or add new features, consider updating your 404 page to include references or links to these changes.