Custom 404 pages help maintain your site's design consistency while informing visitors about missing content. Here's how to create and manage them effectively:

Display Your 404 Page

1. Navigate to Pages panel
2. Scroll to System Pages
3. Select 404 Page

The default system page includes:

• Error explanation
• Homepage link
• Search page link
• Standard error message about incorrect URLs or moved/deleted content

Create a Custom 404 Page

1. Create a new page in the Not Linked section
2. Access current 404 page settings
3. Select your custom page from the dropdown menu

Essential Elements for Custom 404:

• Clear error message
• Navigation options
• Homepage link
• Search functionality

SEO Considerations

Google Search Console may show a "Soft 404" alert for custom 404 pages. This occurs because Google detects an indexable page that appears non-existent. To resolve:

Option 1: Use default 404 settings Option 2: Add noindex tags to hide the custom page from search engines

Best Practices:

• Maintain brand consistency
• Provide clear navigation options
• Keep messaging simple and helpful
• Include search functionality
• Ensure mobile responsiveness

This customization helps retain visitors despite encountering errors while maintaining your site's professional appearance and user experience.

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