Why 404 Pages Are a Clever Content Opportunity
Have you ever clicked a link that took you to a big “404 Page Not Found” or “Error 404” page?
Isn’t that annoying?
What the error means is exactly what it sounds like — the page is no longer there. Maybe because a link changed. Or, the page was deleted because the site owner thought it was “thin content” and wanted to get rid of it.
Whatever the reason, landing on a 404 page is a bad user experience. After all, why hang out on a site when the first page screams, “Nope, what you’re looking for isn’t here”?
If you’re like me, you immediately hit the “back” button when you see them.
But here’s the thing…
If your site has been around for a while, you probably have your own broken links and deleted pages. After all, 404 errors are extremely common.
They’re like pimples — everyone has them from time to time, and nobody likes them.
The important thing is how you handle them.
The solution? Get creative!
Instead of relying on an ugly, “hey, this content doesn’t exist anymore” page, why not create a custom 404 page that helps your readers?
For instance, here’s mine. (Sorry for the earworm — this song will be stuck in your head all day.)
Not only does my 404 page make me smile, it also leads readers to my blog and two of my most popular pages. That way, readers have something to click other than the back button.
Want other examples?
The Pixar 404 page doesn’t have any links, but it’s pretty darn cute.
Airbnb’s page is equally engaging, plus there are helpful links to other pages.
E-commerce retailer ModCloth’s 404 page may not be as cute, but it does have helpful product category and “contact us” links.
You see? Custom 404 pages are like magical concealer for your website pimples. The page may not exist anymore, but the reader doesn’t necessarily notice or care.
(And yes, if you freelance, you can suggest custom 404 pages to your clients and offer to create the concept and to write the content.)
Pretty cool, eh?
What do you think?
Are you ready to create your own custom 404 page? Do you wish I didn’t stick that earworm in your brain? (Again, sorry!) Leave a comment with your thoughts!
Hey! Found your post on LinkedIn. Well, you are 100% right! Even though many web design platforms like WordPress or Joomla! come with themes “404 ready,” many sites DON’T have them and that is a big problem. I should add that 404s are not good in Google’s eyes, period, so when a 404 that looks awesome is great it is good practice to make sure those “old and broken URLs” are redirected to new and awesome pages.
These are some of the clever 404-page content opportunity. I liked the one with the song.
404 pages is a really good opportunity to direct users to interact with the website. Thank you.
Well mentioned about 404 pages, thanks for sharing the article…
Im new to blogging and i never thought about 404 pages as you said be creative i would like to have sponge boob as my 404 page :)
Thank you for this welcome advice. I have never known the cause of 404 pages but get them quite often. The clever cover-up are a great solution. I must learn how to do it.
Yes! All you need to do is come up with the words and the concept — the designer can do the rest! Let me know how it goes!