Demystifying the 404 Page:
Demystifying the 404 Page:
And What You Need To Know
We’ve all been there—you click a link expecting to land on a page, only to be greeted with the dreaded message: “404 Page Not Found.” At first glance, it feels like something has gone wrong, but here’s the truth: a 404 page is a normal (and even useful) part of any website.
What is a 404 Page?
A 404 error page appears when someone tries to access a page on your website that doesn’t exist. This can happen if:
A link was typed incorrectly
A page has been moved or deleted
An old link from another site is still pointing to your domain
Instead of leaving visitors staring at a confusing “dead end,” your website’s 404 page steps in as a guide.
Why Does the 404 Page Matter?
Think of it as your website’s way of saying: “That path isn’t here anymore, but let me help you find your way.” A good 404 page can:
Reduce frustration: Visitors don’t feel lost.
Keep people on your site: By offering links back to your homepage or popular pages.
Show your brand personality: A clever, on-brand 404 page can turn a mistake into a memorable experience.
How to Improve Your 404 Page
A plain “page not found” message isn’t enough. Here’s what makes a 404 page effective:
Clear Explanation – Let visitors know the page can’t be found, without technical jargon.
Navigation Options – Include links to your homepage, menu, or search bar.
Helpful Suggestions – Suggest popular pages or recent blog posts.
Brand Personality – Add humor, design flair, or a touch of creativity to make it less frustrating.
Examples of Great 404 Pages
Humorous 404s that lighten the mood with a joke or illustration.
Practical 404s that offer a site search bar and top links.
On-brand 404s that match the tone of your business—whether playful, professional, or creative.
Final Thought from David & George:
The 404 page doesn’t have to be a dead end—it can be an opportunity. By designing it with care, you guide visitors back on track, show off your brand’s voice, and even create a memorable moment out of a mistake.
So next time you think about your website, don’t forget this little page in the background. It might just save a visitor from leaving—and turn a wrong turn into the right connection.
Do you have a question? Let’s talk!
DISCLAIMER
This article is an original article written by David @ David&George - one of the UK’s leading Squarespace website designers. All opinions are the writers own and no liability will be taken for any errors or omissions. As Squarespace designers we will perhaps be a bit biased towards all things Squarespace - but Squarespace is such a game changer that we are its biggest fans. As web professionals we have seen how our clients love the control they have & the designs that are possible at reasonable cost. We would not work on any other platform!!
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