404 Error Pages: The Final Information

Chances are high you’ve landed on a 404 error web page earlier than. Whether or not you’ve arrived on a 404 error web page due to a easy typo or since you had been looking for a web page that not exists, most individuals discover being unable to seek out what they’re on the lookout for to be a irritating expertise. A significant a part of working a profitable web site is staying alert for errors like damaged pages or sluggish efficiency. Nevertheless, generally there are issues you simply can’t keep away from, and 404 errors are amongst them. The excellent news? With just a little ingenuity, you’ll be able to remodel your 404 error web page right into a advertising asset. 

A 404 happens when a person requests a web page in your web site that doesn’t exist, thus throwing a 404 error web page and prompting customers to return to the precise place. Regardless of what number of sources you throw into making certain your web site is as seamless as potential, there’s at all times an opportunity customers will find yourself on a 404 error web page. Right here’s what it is advisable to find out about 404 error pages, the way to repair 404 error pages, and even some examples of artistic examples that may assist mitigate the frustration of touchdown right here. 

First issues first: What even is a 404 error? This normal HTTP error message code indicators the web site you had been attempting to succeed in could not be discovered on the server. It is a client-side error, that means both the webpage was eliminated or moved, and the URL wasn’t modified accordingly, or the particular person simply typed within the URL incorrectly. There are additionally different causes a 404 error would possibly pop up, together with an issue with DNS or an error with caching. 

For probably the most half, you’ll be able to configure your server to create a personalized 404 error web page. (In the event you use HubSpot, click on right here to discover ways to customise your 404 web page in HubSpot.)

Some personalized 404 error pages embody a hero picture, witty description, website map, search type, or fundamental contact info. Our 404 error web page additionally contains extra hyperlinks guests can click on — which is a useful add because it retains them on the web site. 

As we talked about earlier, generally the explanation why error pages pop up is as a result of guests are incorrectly typing within the area. In the event you discover that guests usually misspell the trail that results in your pages, it’s possible you’ll think about redirecting that misspelling to the specified web page.  

1. Pipcorn

Whereas a 404 web page can simply stand proud of an internet site, Pipcorn’s error web page aligns completely with the remainder of the positioning’s branding. There’s a visually interesting animated background, a pleasant textual content immediate directing guests to look the web site, and a chunk of popcorn used because the “0” in “404.”

2. Spotify

Music streaming large Spotify has coated its bases with a intelligent 404 web page. With a witty pun and a light-hearted file animation, the web site briefly entertains after which sends guests again to the web page they got here from. Or, they’ll simply navigate to the FAQ or Group web page. 

3. Genially

One easy strategy to ease the stress in your 404 web page is so as to add a fast “Oops!” message — it helps your website really feel extra personable as you information customers again to the precise place. Within the case of Genially’s website, the web page additionally features a nifty illustration paired with some playful copy.

4. Adobe

As you’d count on, Adobe’s 404 error web page is helpful and visually pleasing. One of the vital distinctive issues it does is supply quick access to Adobe’s hottest merchandise. 

5. Clorox

The 404 web page for Clorox cleansing merchandise rotates between three lighthearted photographs to sign to guests that they’ve made a misstep. It’s a sensible use of branding so as to add a short delight second whereas serving to out misplaced customers.

6. Duma Collective

Different instances, you won’t want a witty blurb — simply inform guests that there’s no web page on the tackle and allow them to transfer on. Leisure consulting company Duma Collective does simply this with its error web page, although it’s complemented by a background picture for some minor aptitude.

7. Bitly

In the event you enter an incorrect Bitly hyperlink, you’ll be taken to Bitly’s 404 web page. We assume this occurs a good quantity, which is why the 404 web page will get straight to the purpose. It explains what might need gone flawed and prompts customers to go to the Bitly homepage if that’s what they’re after.

8. Ikea

Ikea’s 404 web page is equally minimalist however nonetheless manages to sneak some good branding in there. This instance exhibits that your error pages don’t must be elaborate to get the purpose throughout, however there’s nothing flawed with injecting some enjoyable, both.

9. Moxie Design Co.

Positive, “blew up the Web” is perhaps a bit hyperbolic, however it tells guests that Moxie Design Co. doesn’t take itself too critically with small slip-ups like this one. Additionally, a search bar is conveniently positioned on the backside to ship you in your method.

10. McKissack & McKissack

Ah, the traditional “we misplaced the web page” trick. Once more, a straightforward strategy to current a 404 with out alienating your viewers. In the event you’re an company like McKissack & McKissack that manages many shopper interactions, clear and concise copy is crucial for all of your website’s pages, together with error pages.

11. CSS Tips

Ever ripped away an internet site’s wrapping to see what’s beneath? That is the idea that CSS Tips was going for of their 404 error web page. That is each witty and harking back to what the web site is all about: Sensible use of web page styling.

12. Good Outdated Video games

For different web sites, you unwrap the entrance finish and there is … simply the huge vacancy of house. This web page is a intelligent reference to GOG Galaxy, which is Good Outdated Video games’ native online game shopper. Fortunately, just a little online game character is there to provide guests a spot to report an error if they need.

13. Myriad

Video company Myriad has opted for a unusual, on-brand 404 error web page design that mimics the traditional SMPTE colour bars that seem on previous tapes and TVs. It’s a humorous throwback to older applied sciences whereas representing the extra fashionable downside of a nonexistent internet web page.

14. KonMari

Identified for her common cleansing and group strategies and model, Marie Kondo has introduced an identical really feel to her web site’s 404 web page. The copy briefly and humorously harkens again to her tidying philosophy — a small however well-branded element that followers will acknowledge.

15. BrandCrowd

Not solely is the illustration on this error web page detailed and fascinating — the copy is intelligent, too. We love the reference to the Semisonic tune “Closing Time:” “You may click on anyplace else, however you’ll be able to’t click on right here.”

16. Sizzling Dot Productions

Sizzling Dot’s error web page stays true to its tagline, “the intersection of recent applied sciences and design.” The web page is animated by tons of of tiny dots that change route in response to the place you progress your cursor. It is mesmerizing and an awesome showcase of the company’s design capabilities.

17. OrangeCoat

If you are going to give an error message, why not entertain the person for a number of seconds when you assist them out? Following a pleasant greeting, OrangeCoat presents a flowchart that truly helps customers determine why they reached an error web page within the first place.

18. Ervin & Smith

This 404 web page does greater than redirect customers again to lively pages. As a substitute, Ervin & Smith’s 404 web page invitations you to scroll down and be taught why you want a digital advertising company, and why to decide on Ervin & Smith particularly, capped off with a contact type. True to its mission, this company exhibits that any web page could be a conversion alternative.

19. DayCloud Studios

… or, your 404 can simply be a spot for guests to take pleasure in your web site for a minute, as could be seen on the web site for DayCloud Studios. Shifting the cursor across the display screen reveals a 404 message illuminated by lasers capturing from a cat’s eyes. As a result of why not?

20. Headspace

One other occasion of an internet site well incorporating its model messaging right into a 404 web page — guided meditation app Headspace makes an effort to calm customers, encouraging us to take a deep breath, then return to the primary website.

21. Wildwood Bakery

Some web sites up to now have built-in intelligent branded copy of their pages, whereas others have hosted full-blown on-line video games on theirs. However, there’s nothing flawed with a short push again in the precise route. Wildwood Bakery’s beautiful website retains issues quick and candy (actually).

Web page Not Discovered: Humorous 404 Error Pages

22. Astuteo

Design company Astuteo’s 404 web page is an ideal stability of chic visuals, humor, and helpfulness. The minimal structure offers customers the data they want alongside one other amusing visible metaphor, a sinking cargo ship and a fleeing determine.

23. LEGO

There are few phrases wanted on LEGO’s 404 error web page — the character’s expression makes the whole lot clear. Plus, followers of the LEGO film franchise will benefit from the enjoyable reference within the copy.

24. Magnt

On this humorous error message, Magnt pokes enjoyable at the truth that, sure, they might have damaged one thing — or, you simply cannot sort. The visible serves as a fast strategy to shortly illustrate their level. Plus, it’s efficient, because it reminds guests to test their URLs and ensure they’ve spelled the whole lot proper. 

25. IconFinder

IconFinder’s error web page is straightforward however pleasant. The corporate’s mascot sporting a gown and showing weary is a relatable nod to misplaced guests. No worries although, for the reason that website lists a few of its hyperlinks to go to down under.

26. GitHub

The road “These aren’t the droids you are on the lookout for” refers to Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Jedi thoughts trick on Stormtroopers in Star Wars Episode IV, and it is turn out to be a well known phrase used to inform somebody they’re pursuing the flawed plan of action. GitHub performs on this well-known line of their 404 error message.

27. Patagonia

Patagonia’s customized 404 web page captures the model’s vibe completely. We love the cheeky textual content that reads “Please strive sticking the touchdown on one other web page.”

28. AMC Theatres

You might need been to an AMC movie show earlier than, however you’ve hopefully by no means seen their web site’s 404 web page. The web site makes use of a fast, humorous, and related one-liner earlier than it sends you again to the precise place.

29. Bruno

It’s no coincidence that artistic businesses are nice at developing with cool 404 pages. Right here’s one other one from the creatives at Bruno that performs off the 2000 cult comedy traditional Dude, The place’s My Automobile? No, it has nothing to do with the corporate or web site, however it’s certain to get a chuckle.

30. NPR

At first, NPR’s error web page looks as if nothing particular. However maintain studying and you will see how they cleverly hyperlink to a few of their nice tales about misplaced individuals, locations, and issues, like a chunk on Amelia Earhart and one on Waldo. This would possibly simply make misplaced customers really feel rather less alone.

31. Medium

Medium takes an identical strategy to NPR’s 404 web page, recommending articles about getting misplaced and shedding issues. Verify these articles out if in case you have time — they’re fairly good reads.

32. HomeStarRunner

HomeStarRunner.com, dwelling to a Flash-animated cartoon sequence, has had a sequence of hilarious 404 error pages over time. The latest options characters from the cartoon sequence in a scene that would’ve come straight out of one in all their episodes. In the event you flip the sound on while you load the web page, you may hear their character Sturdy Dangerous — recognized for yelling phrases out loud — saying, “404’d!”

33. Blizzard Leisure

This is a easy concept that finally ends up wanting slick: Blizzard Leisure’s 404 web page options an animated character misplaced in an precise blizzard and a few humor that World of Warcraft followers will respect.

34. Good day Large Concept

A fast journey round advertising and social media specialists Good day Large Concept’s web site will inform you what it is advisable to find out about its daring and blunt fashion of copy. And, in fact, its 404 error web page isn’t any exception.

35. HubSpot

It occurs to us, too! That is the message we put as much as inform our website guests that there are some web site points. Our purpose was to remain true to HubSpot’s model voice by being as empathetic and useful as potential.

Flip a 404 Error Web page Right into a Pleasant Second

No person desires to land on a 404 web page — they’re annoying and surprising. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to’t actually keep away from them, so it’s at all times a good suggestion to have a 404 web page to fall again on on your web site.

And, from a person expertise perspective, your 404 web page must be a small velocity bump, not a brick wall. The proper design could be the distinction between a annoyed bounce and a potential conversion, so why not make it enjoyable?

Editor’s observe: This put up was initially printed in December 2015 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.