
Creating Custom 404 Error Pages: A Website Design Guide
Customize your website's 404 error page to create a better user experience when visitors encounter missing pages or broken links.
View Your 404 Page
To access your 404 page:
- Open the "Pages" menu
- Scroll to System Pages
- Click on 404 Page
The default 404 page includes:
- An explanation of why content isn't displaying
- Links to homepage and search functionality
- Standard error message text explaining possible reasons for the error
Creating a Custom 404 Page
Follow these steps to create a personalized error page:
- Create a new page
- Move it to the "Not Linked" section
- Set it as your 404 page through the dropdown menu
- Add custom error message and helpful navigation links
Key elements to include:
- Clear explanation of the error
- Links to important pages
- Search functionality
- On-brand design elements
- Friendly, helpful tone
SEO Considerations
Custom 404 pages may trigger "Soft 404" warnings in Google Search Console. This occurs because search engines detect an indexable page stating it doesn't exist. To resolve this:
- Use the system default 404 page, or
- Add "No Index" tags to hide the custom page from search engines
Best Practices:
- Keep messaging clear and concise
- Maintain brand consistency
- Provide multiple navigation options
- Consider adding humor or personality
- Ensure mobile responsiveness
These customizations help retain visitors who encounter errors while maintaining your site's professional appearance and functionality.
Note: The warning in Google Search Console doesn't affect your website's visibility or search performance.
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