Creating Custom 404 Error Pages: A Website Design Guide

Creating Custom 404 Error Pages: A Website Design Guide

By Michael Thompson

December 1, 2024 at 10:35 AM

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:

  1. Open the "Pages" menu
  2. Scroll to System Pages
  3. 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:

  1. Create a new page
  2. Move it to the "Not Linked" section
  3. Set it as your 404 page through the dropdown menu
  4. 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.

Related Articles

Previous Articles