Custom 404 Error Page : 31st July 2007
How to redirect the user
You need to create a .htaccess file, using any standard text editor. Copy and paste the following code – substituting the path for your local 404 html page:
ErrorDocument 404 http://www.yoursite.com/404page.html
Once you’ve done that, you are ready to go. Here are a few ideas of things to include in your 404 page:
- A search box
- A link back to the homepage
- The same CSS and graphics as the rest of the website
- A website index or map
Get creative, make the user feel that they have an alternative route to find what they are looking for, and you’ll vastly improve their experience on your website!
Imaginative 404 Pages
To get inspiration, take a look at some other 404 pages. You’ll be surprised what you’ll find!
Comments and Discussion
For people running their own webservers or hosting multiple websites, it is also possible to customize the 404 error pages at the server level so they are all consistent - should that be of use. Definitely a useful tip for the future. Thanks!
All those example are good because they explain the situation and give the user options as opposed to providing a dead-end like so many 404 pages do. However, my pet gripe, is just how many 404 error pages use the jargon of '404 error' in their copy. I wonder how many users are aware or care what 404 error means and how many get slightly confused by it. In the wufoo and last.fm examples the word '404' could easily be replaced by the word 'error' which would make lots more sense.
They're really good examples, I've wanted a decent 404 page at my design site for a good while. I'm going to do this tomorrow evening to the new version of my site. Phil's point is ridiculous, it's good to know the traditional error '404', it's not a jargon, it's just the number of the error that's occurred.
In addition, it might be a good idea to have a contact form for your visitors, allowing them to personally ask you for help, providing maximum serves. Not something I've done myself yet but you know, just a little mind spin:)
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