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How To Create A Custom 404 Error Page

Create A Custom 404 Error Page!By creating a Custom 404 Error Page,  you can turn your unhelpful default 404 Error page into a more accommodating and user-friendly resource for visitors. Out of all HTTP errors, the HTTP 404 "Not Found" Error is the most common error online. With so many 404 Errors happening online everyday, it's a safe bet that a Custom 404 Error Page could greatly influence any visitor's decision to leave or remain at your site.

What Is An HTTP 404 "Not Found" Error Page?

HTTP stands for "Hyper Text Transfer Protocol" code, which lets you retrieve information from servers and browsers online. Here, we are talking about an HTTP 404 Error Page, with "404" meaning "Not Found" in HTTP terms. When a HTTP 404 "Not Found" Error Page is reached, this means a site's server was found but the URL/page requested is not available at the time.

A 404 "Not Found" Error occurs because of the following:

  • A URL has been moved to another location.
  • Someone had clicked on an expired link.
  • The web address was typed incorrectly.
  • The URL has been deleted completely.

Please note that 404 errors should NOT be confused with 410 ("Server Not Found") or 410 ("Gone") error codes, because a 404 error still indicates that the requested URL may still be available in the future - whereas the others do not.

Default vs. Custom HTTP 404 ("Not Found") Error

A default 404 page is bland, unhelpful, and a major turn off for the visitors you've worked so hard to obtain. When people encounter an HTTP 404 "Not Found" Error Page, they usually:

  1. Click the BACK button on their browser to leave the page.
  2. Click the BACK button, and try to access the page again.
  3. Write the webmaster of the site to inform them of the situation (if your lucky).
  4. Leave the site completely, and choose another site.

Of the above actions, leaving the site completely (and turning to a search engine) is the most common decision when visitors encounter the default 404 error page.  Therefore, more user-friendly Custom 404 Error Page is always a superb addition to a website.

Why Use A Custom 404 Error Page?

Check out this Custom 404 Error page at FryeWiles.com!A Custom 404 Error Page will allow your visitors more opportunities to explore your site, instead of just leaving it completely. By adding a Custom 404 Error Page to your site, this can help prevent the loss of visitors and open up many opportunities as a result. Even better, the process is fast and simple!

With a custom 404 page (like the one shown below), you could include a more humanized message, your website's name, helpful links, or even a search box for your visitors. Even better, you can grab visitor attention by making the page informative, funny, or eye catching. Overall, any deviation from the outdated default page is bound to catch some extra attention!

404 Error Page Requirements

First, check with your web host, because you won't be able to customize your 404 page if your host doesn't allow it. Host sites like GeoCities and TriPod won't allow the customization of a 404 Error Page. To find out if your web host allows a custom 404 Error Page, it can usually be found in their documentation.

Also, the Internet Explorer web browser has trouble displaying custom pages unless they are larger than 512 bytes. This can be fixed by selecting Tools - Internet Options - Advanced, and then un-checking the "Show friendly HTTP error messages" check box. We enjoy the Mozilla Firefox browser, because it has overcome many of the issues the Internet Explorer is STILL facing today.

How To Create A Custom 404 Error Page

Check out this Custom 404 Error page at Patterntap.com!An HTTP 404 "Not Found" Error Page varies by ISP (Internet Service Provider). Below, you will discover how to create a custom 404 page with WordPress - today's most popular and user-friendly content management system.

Custom 404 Page via WordPress:

By default, all WordPress themes should automatically include a 404.php file that displays a generic 404 'Not Found' Error page when a 404 error takes place.

Follow these 10 easy steps to edit the default 404 Error Page in WordPress:

  1. Open your WordPress admin panel
  2. Select 'Design Menu' (Presentation pre 2.5)
  3. Choose the 'Theme Editor' page
  4. Find and open the '404 Template' file (Notice there other HTTP Errors that you can customize as well).
  5. If your WordPress Theme does not include a template file named "404.php", click here to create an HTTP Error 404 "Not Found" Page.
  6. To make sure your 404 Error Page is up and working, search for a URL that does NOT exist on your server (such as http://www.yoursitename.com/oops) to view it for yourself.
  7. Compared to your site's overall content, search engines will most likely rate your 404 Error Page as irrelevant  - which can significantly hurt your search engine optimization (SEO). You can instruct search engines to overlook this irrelevancy by adding the following code to the TOP of any page - preventing search engines from indexing it:
  8. <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow">
  9. To keep a log of all the 404 errors that occur on your site,, use the WordPress Redirect Plugin. This plugin also manages 301 redirections, and can generally tidy up any loose ends your site may have.
  10. You are now ready to edit your Custom 404 Error Page!

404 Error Page Guidelines

Wondering what to include in your Custom 404 Error Page? Here are some useful guidelines:

  • Lay out a clear message to tell visitors that the page they're looking for can't be found.
  • Use language that is friendly, informative, funny, or eye catching, yet still HELPFUL.
  • Employ the same look and feel as the rest of your site.
  • Add popular in-site page links to keep visitors from straying.
  • Use a "Change of Address" tool to tell Google about a previous site's move.
  • Some web servers allow you to make a different Custom 404 Page for different folders. If your site is logically portioned into separate sections (within separate folders) , then consider having different 404 pages for each section.

Check out this Custom 404 Error page from Slonky.com!

Make Your Custom 404 Error Page Stand Out!

Check out these Custom Error 404 Page examples and downloads to make your 404 Page a savvy, relevant, and user-friendly resource.

Check out these 404 Page examples from the video sharing site, DailyMotion.com:

With the above Custom 404 Error Page software and tips, you can have a successful 404 Page up and running in no time. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below - and don't forget to bookmark My Famous Website to discover even more internet marketing tools and online business opportunities for your website!

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September 9, 2009 | Filed Under Blog 

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