What Is a 404 Page?
A 404 page is an error page that is displayed when a web page cannot be found. It is commonly seen when a user attempts to visit a page that does not exist, or when a link or URL has been entered incorrectly. 404 pages are also known as “Page Not Found” error pages, and they provide information to the user that the page they are attempting to access does not exist. This can be due to a mistyped URL, a broken link, or simply a page that has been deleted or moved.
What Should Be Included In a 404 Page?
A 404 page should include some basic elements to help guide users back to your website. These elements should include:
- A friendly error message, such as “Oops, this page could not be found”
- A link to the homepage of the website
- A search bar for users to find what they are looking for
- Links to other pages on the website
It is also important to make sure that the 404 page is visually appealing and consistent with the overall design of the website. A good 404 page should be easy to understand and provide helpful guidance to the user.
Examples of 404 Pages
Here are a few examples of creative and effective 404 pages:
- Airbnb – Airbnb’s 404 page has a helpful search bar and a friendly message that reads “We can’t seem to find the page you’re looking for.”
- Spotify – Spotify’s 404 page features an interactive game where users can help a character named “Lost” find their way back home.
- GitHub – GitHub’s 404 page features a friendly robot character with a helpful message that reads “I’m sorry, but I can’t find that page.”
Conclusion
A 404 page is an important part of any website, as it helps to guide users back to the website when they encounter a page that does not exist. By including helpful elements such as a search bar and links to other pages, you can make sure that users are able to find what they are looking for. For more information on 404 pages, check out the following resources: