Confession: This is going to sound awful but until recently I didn’t even know what a 404 page was let alone that you could edit them!
A 404 page is the error page that pops up on your site anytime a reader searches your site and a page returns unfound. It often contains your archive information and a few other options in order to help your reader find what they are looking for but that’s it. Most default 404 pages are pretty boring. However, while I was researching how to decrease my bounce rate, I was in awe to learn just how creative and fun a 404 page could be. I mean take a look at these 404 Error Pages. Oh, and be prepared to laugh. Some are just fun!
10 Creative 404 Error Pages
How to Create Your Own 404 Error Page
So how did they do it? Well, creating your own 404 Error page is actually easier than you may think. For those of you on WordPress, I highly recommend using this tutorial from Sugarrae. Yes, it is intended for those using Genesis, but the overall steps should be useable by nearly all on WordPress. If you are on Blogger, you can create your own 404 error page by going to Settings>Search Preferences>Errors and Redirections>Custom Page Not Found to enter your 404 page html code. For step-by-step instructions you may find this tutorial by Haak Blog helpful.
My Updated 404 Error Page
With all that said, how did my 404 page turn out? My page is not nearly as creative as some of those above but hopefully it will be much more helpful to my readers when they do happen to come across it and maybe it will ease some of their frustration in the process.
Have any of you created a fun 404 page?
If so, share it in the comments below! I’d love to see your creative juices at work and maybe even get a laugh or two. Or, if you have another tutorial helpful in creating your own 404 error pages, be sure to share those in the comments too. Together we can learn from each other so as to grow in the areas in which God is using us for His glory.
Take it to the next level with these resources:
- Creating a Custom 404 Page with Genesis Tutorial on Sugarrae
- How to Create Custom 404 Error Pages for Blogger on Haak Blog
- iBlog, the Book
- My Blogging Brilliance Pinterest board.
This post is the 3rd of 12 in the 144 Plan to Blogging Brilliance. To learn more about the 144 Plan or catch up on a missed post, check out the complete 144 Plan Training Log.
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
Those pages are very creative! I have not created a fun 404 page, but you’ve provided some useful information here that will help me do so. Thanks!
This is great and on my to do list. I love how yours looks. Will be pinning this for future reference. Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome and thank you! Let me know how it goes!
perfect timing. I just redesigned my site and have been thinking, where did I see that article on great 404 pages. I don’t think it was this one, but its certainly a great one.
Love this! The few times I have landed on a fun 404 page, it really did make me smile and like the website a lot more. I’m pinning this for future reference. Thanks!
You are welcome…and I totally agree! Almost…almost makes we want to get an error on purpose. 😉
Loved this! Thank you for the inspiration to finally create my own error page. (Visible at http://gretchenlouise.com/oops/)
Maybe not, but I hope it helps. Have fun creating that 404 page! 😉
You are welcome! Have fun creating!
Oh that’s good! Thanks for a great article.
Hugs,
Melinda