Mastering 404 Pages – Turn Lost Visitors into Engaged Users

Understanding 404 Pages 

• A 404 page appears when a user attempts to access a webpage that does not exist or is no longer available on a website. 
• 404 pages can be triggered by broken links, mistyped URLs, or links to pages that have been removed from a website. 
• While 404 pages are typically simple in design, they can be customized to improve user experience and encourage users to remain on the website. 

Importance of 301 Redirects 

• 301 redirects prevent 404 errors by redirecting visitors from an old URL to a new one, which is important when migrating a website or updating content. 
• Using 301 redirects when changing a website's structure helps maintain search engine rankings by preserving link equity from the old URLs to the new ones. 
• 301 redirects improve user experience and site navigation by preventing visitors from encountering 404 errors when trying to access old URLs. 

Google Search Console: 404 Warnings 

• Google Search Console provides informational "404 warnings" to indicate that Google has found a URL on a website that can no longer be found. 
• These warnings are not penalties and do not negatively impact a website's ranking. 
• While the warnings present an opportunity to create 301 redirects, it is not always necessary, such as in cases where a webpage for a temporary event has been deleted. 

Default BD 404 Error Page 

• The default 404 error page on Brilliant Director websites informs visitors that the page they are looking for does not exist and provides a link back to the homepage. 
• These default 404 pages can be customized. 
• The presentation will now cover design elements and considerations for customizing 404 pages. 

Why 404 Pages are Minimal 

• The purpose of a 404 page is to inform users that the requested page is unavailable and guide them back to the main website. 
• Minimal content and images on 404 pages ensure fast loading times and minimize bandwidth usage. 
• A simple layout helps direct users back to relevant content on the website, minimizing distractions and encouraging user engagement. 

The Value of a Well-Designed 404 Page 

• The goal of a well-designed 404 page is to keep users engaged and prevent them from leaving the website. 
• A well-designed 404 page can transform a negative user experience into a positive one by providing clear navigation options and encouraging users to explore other content. 
• Businesses can use 404 pages as an opportunity to showcase their brand personality in a fun and creative way while maintaining a minimalist design. 

Inspiring 404 Page #1 

• Red Bull's 404 page includes an embedded video and a "Gimme More" button to present additional content to visitors. 
• The Red Bull 404 page does not have apparent navigation links. 
• Some 404 pages may include navigation links such as a search bar, homepage link, and other links. 

Inspiring 404 Page #2 

• The website uses a pop culture reference to the Matrix, offering "red and blue pills" as clickable buttons that lead to their online store and homepage. 
• The website aims to convert visitors, even on a 404 page, by offering a discount popup and encouraging purchases. 
• The design of the page assumes that visitors landing on a 404 page are still potential customers interested in the company's offerings. 

Inspiring 404 Page #3 

• The 404 page uses a humorous image and message, suggesting users navigate using the menu or search bar. 
• While the page provides navigation options, a more specific search function might be more helpful for users. 
• A key similarity between the three 404 page examples is their minimalist design, focusing on informing users about the error and providing ways to stay engaged with the website. 

Where to Set Your 404 Page URL 

• Users can customize the 404 page on their BD site or create a new page to be the default 404 error page. 
• Users can find the setting for the 404 error page by going to Advanced settings and searching for "404". 
• The setting for the default 404 error page allows users to select which page visitors will see when they attempt to visit a URL on the site that does not exist. 

Designing a Custom 404 Page 

• A 404 page can be accessed by typing gibberish into the URL bar or when a user follows a broken or misspelled link. 
• A custom 404 page can be created that includes a brief explanation of why the user reached the page, a link to the homepage, and other helpful links. 
• Custom 404 pages can be simplified by hiding the header and footer.