Perfecting your 404 page

Why a 404 page happens

A 404 error means the requested page does not exist: an outdated link, a mistyped address, deleted content. It is inevitable on a living site. The problem is not the error itself, but what the visitor sees at that moment.

A default 404 page, cold and technical, gives the impression of a dead end and pushes people to leave the site.

What a good 404 page should contain

The goal is to catch the visitor and put them back on track with care.

• A clear, reassuring message, without jargon
• A link to the home page and to the main pages
• Possibly a search bar
• A tone true to your image, perhaps with humour

In a few seconds, the visitor must understand they are not stuck and know where to go.

A detail that says a lot

A well-crafted 404 page shows that you think about the experience even in the unexpected. It turns a potential frustration into a sign of attention. It is also a chance to show a little personality, where visitors do not expect it.

Finally, remember to fix broken links at the source when possible, to limit the number of these errors. At Skywebis, we design useful 404 pages true to your world, so we never lose a visitor along the way.

Frequently asked questions