404 page errors can frustrate users and cause them to leave your site.
However, with some foresight, these errors can be turned into an opportunity to provide assistance and encourage users to explore your website further.
This article covers best practices for creating 404 pages, with real examples from over 50 brands. You’ll also find answers to frequently asked questions about 404 error pages.
What is a 404 page?
A 404 page, also known as an error page, is a web page that is displayed when a user tries to access a URL that no longer exists.
Meaning of the 404 status code error
The 404 status code error is an HTTP response indicating that the web page cannot be found on the web server. It tells the browser that the requested web page was “not found”.
404 page best practices
Creating a useful 404 error page is vital to providing a good user experience when visitors visit your website.
Here are some design best practices for creating a user-friendly and attractive 404 page.
Clear the error message: Make sure the 404 error message is displayed and clearly states that the requested page cannot be found. Use simple, friendly language to explain the error.
Attractive visuals: Incorporate visually appealing graphics or illustrations that align with your website’s design and branding. These images can help ease the frustration of finding a bug.
Navigation options: Provide easy-to-find navigation elements that guide users to the home page, main content, or relevant sections of your website. Include links or buttons that make it easy for users to continue their journey.
Search functionality: Include a search bar that allows users to search for the content they were originally looking for.
Contact information: Include contact information or a link to your support/help center for users who need help with their specific issue.
Following these design practices can turn a frustrating error into a positive user experience and keep visitors engaged with your website, even when they encounter 404 pages.
51 examples from 404 pages
Fun examples of 404 pages
Here are examples of fun, humorous, and quirky 404 pages that use witty and clever language to attract users and keep them on the page.
1. Wonder
2. PitVipers
3. Southwest
4. Chubies
5. Taco Bell
6. Progressive insurance
7. RyanAir
8. Lego
9. Wendy’s
10. Moose jaw
11. M&M’s
12. Dollar Shave Club
13. Snowstorm
Formal examples of 404 pages
Here are examples of formal 404 pages designed to look more professional and have a respectful tone to the copy.
14. Average
15. Delta
16. The New York Times
17. Ford
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Examples of SaaS 404 pages
These are examples of SaaS 404 pages that align with the specific needs and expectations of users when visiting a SaaS platform. You’ll notice a clean, minimalist design with a user-centric approach.
18. Sprout Social
19. Mural
20. Intercom
21. Help Scout
22. Mailchimp
23. Asana
24. Uber
25. Packlane
26. Drift
27. Spotify
28. Flying
29. ClickUp
30. PayPal
31. Header space
32. Zoom
33. Salesforce
34. Smashing Magazine
Examples of eCommerce 404 Pages
Below are examples of eCommerce 404 pages that offer search functionality, category navigation, cart retention, and even customer reviews.
35. Crocs
36. Ugg
37. Mrs. Meyers
38. Garmin
39. Charmin
40. Patagonia
41. Yeti
42. Sports stool
43. Method
44. Xbox
45. Letters against humanity
Bad examples of 404 pages
Below are examples of bad 404 pages that result in lack of clarity, no guidance, and a generic error message.
46. Wired
47. Nordstrom
48. Reliaquest
49. QuickBooks
50. Today
51. Objective
FAQ about 404 pages
How do I find a 404 page on my website?
There are a few different ways to find a 404 page on your website:
Type a URL that does not exist. For example, www.yourwebsite.com/taco Click on a broken link Search for non-existent content in your website’s search functionality
How do I edit a 404 page in WordPress?
Editing your 404 page in WordPress can vary depending on how your WordPress is set up.
You can do this in your page builder or a plugin.
My personal preference is to make changes in the theme customizer under “Appearance”. Then click “customize”. You should find your 404 page.
Does Google remove 404 pages?
Google does not remove 404 pages. I actually see a lot of 404 pages indexed.
Over time, if Google stumbles upon the 404 page repeatedly, it will eventually remove those pages from the index.
If the 404 page is restored, Google will index the page again.
Building better 404 pages
Well-designed error pages promote a smooth user experience, even when someone lands on a missing page.
By following the tips outlined here, you can create 404 pages that transform confusing dead ends into convenient gateways to navigation, search functionality, contact information, and more.
Go deeper: Pro tip: How to find and fix the 404 errors that really matter to get your traffic back
The views expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.
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