Have you ever searched for something on a website and encounter a 404 page error? This type of page error appears when a webpage no longer exists on active websites.

When users run into a Not Found error, they see your 404 page design. You can optimize this space to even dead or broken links add value to your website.

Use this guide 404 page design inspiration to generate more leads on your website.

What to Include in Your 404 Page Design

The best 404 page designs include a few critical features. Learn more about what these features mean for users when you emphasize the importance of web maintenance.

Give an Explanation

Users often don’t understand the backend coding that affects the web pages they view. Offering an explanation for the 404 error helps visitors understand their next possible course of action.

Visitors may have typed a URL incorrectly. Or, the web page they searched moved to another destination on your website. Explaining the source of the errors informs users of what went wrong.

Direct Users

When visitors encounter a 404 page, offer them courses of action. Direct them back to the homepage. Or, maybe redirect them to a specific website.

You can also use this as a call to action, too. Request that users submit personal information or download something instead. You can also retarget them to search for something else on your site.

Interactive Engagement

When users encounter your 404 page design, you want them engaged. Use a funny graphic or something to interact with viewers. Emotional appeals are a great tactic for your page 404 design.

When directing users with calls to action, you can engage them buttons, hyperlinks, or custom form fields for maximal interaction.

Easy Access

After directing users to interactive elements, ensure they can easily access them. If they need to use a search field or other navigation elements, make them accessible! You don’t want a search bar that blends into the 404 page design, further frustrating users.

Using Keywords

Believe it or not, your 404 page design factors into SEO. Google’s algorithmic spiders crawl every website for text with 404 to then label corresponding pages with not found errors.

Your URL should also include 404 in the slug or address bar. Including this text also impacts your search rank.

How to Create a Standout 404 Error Page Design

Now that you know what to include in a 404 page design, you need to know how to make one! Use the following steps to guide you through basic 404 error page design

1. Design the Page

When you design your 404 page, you want to stand out with the best 404 page designs. Creating your own may be quite challenging, so consulting a professional might offer the expertise you need.

You can research other not found error pages for 404 deign page inspiration, too. For example, Pixar and Pillsbury both use their iconic characters for a standout 404 page design. These characters engage the users emotionally, opening doors for calls to action.

If your branding uses a cute character or some other unique element, find a way to include in on your 404 page. Consistency on every aspect of your site satisfies users and shows brand personality.

2. Configure the Server

Again, you may want web maintenance support from a professional service for configuring the server. Configuration matters more so for the backend of your website. But the backend code matters for frontend user experience.

Don’t try and do this on your own if you have limited coding experience.  If you want a quality 404 page design that generates leads, hire a pro.

3. Test It Out

After you work with a profession to configure the server with your new 404 page design, it’s time to test it out. You can test out your new page by simply searching for the wrong URL.

When testing it out, take note of the details of your users’ view. Your error page should generate a unique page title for web analytics. Instead of redirecting to a homepage or using an error URL, create a measurable title tag.

You want a trackable error page to determine what calls to action work and which don’t. There’s no purpose in using your 404 page design to generate leads if you can’t track them!

4. Track Sessions

Testing out different URLs for your 404 page design helps determine why and where they land when they do. Ideally, users won’t land on error pages, but when they do, understanding why gives you access to unique user data.

You can use this data to fix broken URLs and successfully redirect site visitors. You can also determine which search engine results direct your site visitors to error pages. You can also see link rot if you track sessions, too.

404 Page Design Inspiration

Aside from the examples mentioned with iconic, on-brand characters, there are other ways to enrich your 404 page design. You can turn lost traffic into leads with a call to action buttons and other interactive content.

You can also showcase your products or services, such as sample content from your business. You can demonstrate your quirkiness with unique, attention-grabbing images. Consider advertising sales opportunities, too as another lead generation tactic.

You can also provide helpful links for redirecting site visitors. Or, consider offering a takeaway that builds your subscriber list.

Where to Turn for All Your Web Maintenance Needs

Whether you need to revamp your 404-page design or simply want professional support for web maintenance, your need experience. Drive Social Now offers a variety of professional services to grow your business.

Contact us today to get started exploring our variety of services. We can support you with professional marketing services for email, SEO, branding, and more. We look forward to working with you!