What exactly is an Error 404 Page?
An Error 404 page is a webpage that pops up when someone clicks on a link for a website or a webpage that no longer exists, or has changed address since the link for it was published. The person searching for the missing page has no problem connecting with the server (this generates a different error page) but following connection, the webpage they want simply cannot be found.
Not only is this annoying and disappointing for the person trying to find the page, it could also mean a lost client or customer for you. Having a creative Error 404 page in place though could just save the day and steer your potential client back to your website.
Do you actually need an Error 404 Page?
You might be saying to yourself now that you don’t need an Error 404 page because there are no broken or dead links on the internet pointing back to your website. Rest assured though that somewhere among the billions of pages on the internet there are at least a few dead links to your website.
You may have taken a page down from your site because it was redundant, added new pages with slightly different search addresses, left links up for short-lived pages e.g. special offers, new promotions etc. or made a page unavailable while you update it and then forgotten to make it available again. All of these scenarios will result in an Error 404 page, but a creative page that includes a live link to your website will put your customers back on track.
How to make your Error 404 Page creative
The easiest way to ensure your Error 404 page has the desired effect is to hire the services of a digital design agency in London, where the most creative agencies operate (check out Graphic Alliance for instance!). By doing so you are guaranteed a fun page that will endear ‘lost’ searchers to stay with you and visit your website.
Animated pages always catch the eye, as do colourful pages, and those that feature funny characters. Your 404 page needs to apologise for the broken or dead link, so cute graphics are also a big hit. A lot of website 404 pages feature animals, cartoon characters, comic babies and all kinds of computer graphics but if you aren’t sure what will re-engage your visitor then it is definitely worth consulting a designer for some inspiration.
After all, you’ll only get one chance to steer a lost soul back to the safety of your website, so be sure to get it right.
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