At some point, a user will either find an out-of-date link or will miss-type a url resulting the user to be directed to a 404 error page. A 404 error page basically means the page has not been found.

It’s good practise for a site to have a custom 404 error page. A good 404 error page should provide the user a quick and short reasons to why they landed at the page they have landed at. The page should also help the user navigate to the correct page in just a few clicks. It should be quite basic, minimalistic and to the point. It shouldn’t have the same layout as the rest of your site does (such as having the same navigation + content, you should only have the most important links on your site), this just creates distractions and you want to remove as many distractions as possible with this page.

A search box is a great feature to have if you have a search for your site. It allows the user to search your site for the correct page using just a few keywords. A link to the sitemap is also a good idea to have on the 404, especially if you have no search.

You should include a contact form or at least a link pointing toward a method of contact. This will allow the user to email you if they’re completely stuck, they may even email you to notify you of a broken link or the alike.

You should also place a tracking script on the 404 page to view where users are coming from, before they are directed to the 404 page and how many users are directed to it at any given time.

A 404 error can be a great tool if used correctly.

Good 404 Practice

At some point, a user will either find an out-of-date link or will miss-type a url resulting the user to be directed to a 404 error page. A 404 error page basically means the page has not been found.
It’s good practise for a site to have a custom 404 error page. A good 404 error page should provide the user a quick and short reasons to why they landed at the page they have landed at. The page should also help the user navigate to the correct page in just a few clicks. It should be quite basic, minimalistic and to the point. It shouldn’t have the same layout as the rest of your site does (such as having the same navigation + content, you should only have the most important links on your site), this just creates distractions and you want to remove as many distractions as possible with this page.
A search box is a great feature to have if you have a search for your site. It allows the user to search your site for the correct page using just a few keywords. A link to the sitemap is also a good idea to have on the 404, especially if you have no search.
You should include a contact form or at least a link pointing toward a method of contact. This will allow the user to email you if they’re completely stuck, they may even email you to notify you of a broken link or the alike.
You should also place a tracking script on the 404 page to view where users are coming from, before they are directed to the 404 page and how many users are directed to it at any given time.
A 404 error can be a great tool if used correctly.

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