While it is always the goal that your viewers never get an error page from your website, it is best to be prepared. A 404 Error indicates that the file or page requested cannot be found. Unlike a server error, a 404 or Not Found error occurs when access to the site is granted, but the address called for is missing. This type of error can occur for a number of reasons; sometimes it is simply a matter of the viewer spelling your URL wrong, and other times it is due to either external or internal broken links. A broken link is usually the result of updating and/or moving pages and files around on your website. Read on for tips on creating and executing a unique and helpful 404 page.
The above image is the new GetCreative 404 page. The page includes a number of elements that should be included in an error page for the convenience of your viewers. Since not all web users are familiar with the ’404′ terminology, it should be obvious right away that the page reached is an error page. In our case, the big ‘Whoops!’ says it all. An appropriate visual image or drawing can help to make light of the situation, while still acknowledging the inconvenience caused to your website users. Finally, it is important to address why a person has landed at this page and how to proceed. You should avoid placing blame on the user, and instead offer a few explanations for the error. If your site has a search bar it would be wise to include it on this page to help the user find what they’re looking for. Otherwise, direct viewers to use a navigation bar or sitemap to get back on track. It is important that visitors feel welcomed and encouraged to continue using your site, so that they do not take their browsing elsewhere.
You can be as intricate or as simple as you want in your 404 page design, just be sure that it is an accurate reflection of your site. For some creative examples, view this round up of custom 404 designs. No matter how great your error page is, though, eliminating errors that users may encounter while browsing your site should always be the priority. If you know of external links that are outdated and broken, be sure to contact the appropriate webmaster to have those links updated. Of course the same goes for your own site; if you change the name of a page or update a photo then links should be adjusted accordingly.
Once you complete your 404 page design, it is time to upload it to your server. Name your 404 page ‘notfound.html’. Then, access your hosting server and find the .htaccess file. If none exists, create one. (Be careful to name the file ‘.htaccess’, not htaccess.txt or htaccess.html.) The .htaccess file can be opened in a text editor or in Dreamweaver; once you have access to the file add the following line of code: ‘ErrorDocument 404 /notfound.html’. Save and upload your .htaccess file as well as the notfound.html page and you’re done! If you have trouble accessing the .htaccess file on your hosting account, this page has helpful information for further instruction.
As always, leave a comment or send an email with any questions and we are happy to help. Or, GetCreative can create a custom 404 page for you that integrates seamlessly into your site- just contact us to get started.