What are 404 Errors and how can you fix them

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The 404 error is the most common error you will come across. It could mean a variety of things, but usually it does not indicate there is a big issue. In fact, 404 errors are so common most sites have started creating dedicated pages for them. Let’s look at little closer at what 404 pages really are.

Other Names or Terms

404 error
HTTP 404
404

Page not found
File not found
Error 404

Causes of 404 Error

URL is typed in wrong- One of the most common reasons people get a 404 error is they typed the URL in wrong.

Following broken links- 404 errors can happen if a page links to another page or site and that content has been moved or deleted.

Page was moved- If the site owner changed the slug but didn’t do a redirect, the page won’t be able to be found.

Fixing 404 errors

If you are searching a website and get a 404:

Reload page
Double check the URL
Use the site’s “search” function to find the page.
Search for the desired page in Google or another search engine.
Clear your browser’s cache.

If your website has a 404 error:

See if it’s a single page. A common error is not setting up a redirect if the slug was recently changed.
If it is the whole site, you probably have a problem with your permalinks. A simple solution is to go to your WordPress dashboard. Click on setting, click permalinks, then save changes. You don’t actually have to make any changes. This is just updating your permalinks.

Custom 404 Page

404 errors are so common that a lot of websites have started to create their own custom 404 error page. The example below is one from Canva. On this 404 page you can put a small puzzle together, which is kind of cool touch.

Let’s run through a couple tools that will you building your own custom 404 pages in no time:

Tools

SeedProd is a WordPress landing page plugin. This plugin lets you build landing pages, customize login screens and build custom 404 pages. SeedProd has a couple of different plans. The basic plan starts at $39.50/ year.

It’s no secret that I love Elementor. I’ve got a full Review of Elementor available if you’re interested in all the other benefits, but Elementor also offers custom 404 pages. The Pro plan starts at $49/ year.

Examples of Good 404 Pages

This 404 error from BarkBox is just so on brand. They are a fun company, and that shows in everything they do. This 404 message is no exception.

This 404 page comes to us from my favorite web hosting company Host Gator. It is a visually appealing page and has a way to get back to the homepage.

Here is an example from Disney. They incorporate a couple characters in the page and tell me I didn’t break the internet. I was very concerned about that, so i’m glad to hear it. They also offer a search box so you can try to find what you’re looking for.

Here is an example from Marvel. They use one of their characters and make reference to a Marvel villain in the the copy. They also offer a couple suggestions on how to proceed.

I couldn’t show Marvels 404 page without giving DC Universe their chance. What do you think, did they meet the challenge?

Finding a sites 404 page

If you want to see the 404 page for your favorite websites, just go to the site, type a backslash / and run your finger across the keyboard. Then just hit enter. This just brings up a page that doesn’t exist. If a company has created a custom page, it will show up.

Example: www.growingyoursite.com/fghjki

YOu are Now a 404 Pro

There you have it. 404 pages aren’t all that scary and they can actually give you the chance to connect with your users in a fun way. If you look at the examples above, nobody is losing sleep over getting those error messages.

It’s also important to remember that 404 errors are going to happen. If you are setting up custom 404 pages, make sure you give the user a way to get back to your homepage. This gives them a chance to go back to your site rather than leaving it. Our intention should always be to keep people on site, so make it easy on them.

Good Luck Out There.