What Is a 404 Error Web page + 21 Killer 404 Examples

Think about for those who may use your web site’s 404 error web page to extend conversions and enhance income. Sure, that’s proper. A rigorously crafted 404 web page can flip misplaced guests into loyal clients.

On this submit, we’re going to cowl 21 of one of the best 404 pages we’ve seen. Plus, we’ll clarify why they work.

Earlier than we dive into the record, although, let’s get clear on what 404 pages are and why they’re so essential to your digital advertising and marketing technique.

What Is a 404 Web page?

A 404 web page is a chosen touchdown web page for customers who attempt to go to your web site by a defective URL. These error pages are these “web page not discovered” messages that you just see while you click on a lifeless hyperlink or make a typo in an internet site deal with.

There are lots of the explanation why your web site guests would possibly get a 404 code:

• They clicked a hyperlink on social media for a web page that you’ve got since deleted.
• They mistyped a URL.
• The online server to your website is down or experiencing issues.
• A deleted web page continues to be exhibiting up in search engine outcomes.
• You may have moved a web page however haven’t correctly redirected your hyperlinks.
• One other web site made a typo when linking to considered one of your pages.

In brief, 404 errors inevitably happen on even the best-maintained web sites. That’s why useful 404 pages are essential to maintaining person expertise (UX) excessive throughout your website.

As you develop your web site, your hyperlinks will change or break over time, and customers will often click on on defective hyperlinks. In case your website doesn’t have an efficient 404 web page, you possibly can possible say goodbye to that potential lead without end.

However WITH an expert 404 error web page, you possibly can redirect customers the place they need to go. From there, you possibly can information them down your gross sales funnel to create extra loyal clients and enhance gross sales.

What Do I Placed on a 404 Error Web page?

A 404 error web page ought to at all times embody the next:

• A transparent message that lets guests know that the requested web page doesn’t exist
• A name to motion (CTA) that retains customers in your website or directs them the place you need them to go
• An introduction to your model’s voice by the web page’s textual content or photos

For instance, for those who have been on the lookout for a particular web page on OptinMonster however misspelled the URL, you’d land on this web page:

The person would immediately know they’ve landed on a non-existent web page and are given choices for the place to go as an alternative.

Within the instance above, the misplaced customer can use the search bar to search out the knowledge they’re on the lookout for. Or, they’ll click on the CTA hyperlinks for House web page or the Contact Us web page for straightforward entry to contact data.

OptinMonster’s model voice is pleasant however easy. As a Software program as a Service (SaaS) firm, we deal with performance and ease of use. That tone is clear on this easy and straight-forward error web page.

How Do I Create a 404 Web page?

Earlier than we dive into our record of 404 web page examples, we need to provide you with a head-up on one of the simplest ways to create 404 error pages to your web site.

SeedProd is palms down the BEST 404 web page and touchdown web page builder for WordPress. It’s straightforward to get began and doesn’t require any code in any respect.

That’s as a result of this plugin comes with ready-made 404 web page templates and a visible drag and drop builder. Even learners can create skilled and high-converting 404 pages that redirect customers and enhance UX. No HTML or CSS wanted.

Plus, you possibly can add a wide range of highly effective components to your 404 pages, together with optin types, featured merchandise, CTA buttons, FAQ sections to reply buyer questions, and extra.

Once you’re utilizing SeedProd, you don’t should be an expert designer or developer. As an alternative, you’ll be capable of create gorgeous 404 pages in minutes.

Wish to attempt it out your self? Click on right here to begin your 100% risk-free SeedProd account immediately!

Now that you realize the fundamentals, let’s have a look at 21 of one of the best 404 error web page examples on the internet.

21 Finest 404 Web page Examples (and Why They Work)

1. OptinMonster – 404 Web page with a Lead Magnet

We’ve already caught a glimpse of OptinMonster’s 404 web page earlier within the submit. However let’s check out what guests see once they scroll down additional.

Why It Works

Under the principle “web page not discovered” message, we provide a free advertising and marketing lesson that customers can obtain. That is an instance of a lead magnet, which is any particular provide or unique content material that customers can solely get by offering their e mail deal with.

On this instance, the “Obtain Now” button triggers a lightbox popup that asks for the person’s title and e mail deal with.

By providing a lead magnet, you need to use your 404 web page to generate extra leads and construct your e mail advertising and marketing record.

And we are able to say with expertise that this web page does what it was made to do.

2. WPForms

Why It Works

WPForms has one other instance of a stripped-back 404 message. It makes use of playful language (“whoops”) and invitations customers to navigate the positioning with their search bar.

If a customer is on the lookout for one thing particular, they’ll search proper there on the web site as an alternative of returning to Google. That retains them on the web site for longer.

Customers aren’t given too many choices, as that may be overwhelming. They will nonetheless navigate the total website with the principle header menu on the prime of the web page. There may be additionally a daring gross sales CTA on the backside of the web page, in case the customer is able to get began with the software program.

One factor we would enhance, nonetheless, is including a hyperlink to the “return again to homepage” textual content to make it even simpler for customers to stay on the positioning.

In any other case, it is a modern {and professional} 404 web page instance that we all know works.

3. Pixar

Why It Works

In relation to creativity, Pixar stands far aside from the remaining. That’s why it must be no shock that they’ve a enjoyable, artistic, and fascinating 404 web page instance.

What’s fascinating right here is that they don’t have a navigational search bar for customers to search out what they’re on the lookout for. In that division, websites like OptinMonster or WPForms have the higher 404 pages.

However Pixar’s web page is supposed to make the person smile, they usually actually accomplish that.

By that includes the character Disappointment from their film Inside Out, they make a joke about how irritating it may be to land on the fallacious web page. Then folks can use the principle menu on the prime of the web page to return by the positioning.

Humorous 404 error pages like this one set up model id and soften the blow of clicking a lifeless hyperlink.

4. Disney

Why It Works

Identical to we noticed with Pixar, Disney‘s 404 web page is completely on-brand.

In actual fact, it options animation from their hit film Ralph Breaks the Web. What might be extra becoming for the world’s best-known animation firm?

It’s an effective way to suck customers again into the Disney universe. Plus, they’ve a navigational search bar (not like Pixar) to assist their viewers discover what they’re on the lookout for.

The important thing takeaway right here is that your 404 web page errors don’t need to be static. Think about using a enjoyable GIF to enliven the expertise to your web site guests.

Be taught extra about including animation to your web site with MonsterEffects™ from OptinMonster!

5. Netflix

Why It Works

Netflix has a enjoyable error web page that options a picture from their sequence Misplaced in House. It’s a great match contemplating the explanation folks have landed on the web page. The “Misplaced your means?” textual content makes certain guests get the joke.

This 404 web page has a single giant CTA button within the center: Netflix House.

That redirects customers again to the homepage, so Netflix customers can discover the film or present they’re on the lookout for.

Once more, one thing so simple as including a button again to the homepage is sufficient to enhance UX for web page error messages.

6. Hulu

Why It Works

One other instance of a 404 web page comes from Netflix’s rival: Hulu.

This web page matches the model’s shade scheme and modern internet design. The most important textual content truly simply says “404,” which assumes that customers perceive the which means of the error code. However the textual content under nonetheless explains that the web page can’t be discovered.

The CTA right here is extraordinarily sensible. It presents a free trial to new subscribers. What might be a greater comfort prize for clicking a damaged hyperlink?

7. Nerf

Why It Works

Nerf has an in depth 404 web page with a enjoyable graphic and a big CTA button that claims “Go to Manufacturers.”

It additionally explains why the person landed on this web page, saying, “The hyperlink is both outdated or has modified.” This rationalization is useful for his or her audience: older children.

With an added rationalization about why the web page isn’t working, customers can redirect themselves to Nerf’s product line.

One other key takeaway from Nerf’s web page is how on-brand it’s. The Nerf darts within the featured picture evoke emotions of enjoyable and nostalgia for youths and adults alike.

8. Tripadvisor

Why It Works

Tripadvisor has a enjoyable and animated 404 web page instance.

The copywriting jokes about having misplaced the web page however not your baggage. That is completely on-brand for the journey website. Then the CTAs invite the person to navigate to 4 most important sections of their website:

• Inns
• Eating places
• Issues to do
• Trip leases

This is a wonderful means of re-engaging the person and serving to them plan their subsequent trip.

Be taught extra about re-engaging guests with InactivitySensor™ concentrating on from OptinMonster.

9. Fixed Contact

Why It Works

On this previous error web page from Fixed Contact, they use extra casual language to resonate with their audience: youthful startups and digital entrepreneurs.

The informal tone is established shortly with the “Issues aren’t superior anymore” textual content.

Fixed Contact then provides customers a fast strategy to get again to the homepage.

We selected this outdated 404 web page to level out a straightforward mistake. The textual content earlier than the CTA says, “You’ll be able to return, or attempt one of many hyperlinks under.” However after that, there’s just one hyperlink the person can select.

Maybe there was once a number of hyperlinks, however the copy hadn’t but been revised. Fixed Contact has since corrected this error.

The takeaway right here is to at all times proofread your whole copy when making any change to a touchdown web page.

10. Slack

Why It Works

Slack made a complete animated background for his or her 404 error web page.

It is a nice strategy to maintain the person engaged in your website slightly longer. Slack additionally offers a hyperlink that takes customers again to the Assist Middle, although there isn’t a button to get again to the homepage.

Additionally they present a number of hyperlinks within the footer menu that may assist customers navigate to the web page they’re on the lookout for.

11. Lego

Why It Works

Not solely is Lego’s 404 web page 100% on-brand, however it’s additionally enjoyable and simple to know. There’s no technical wording and no reference to a “404 web page error” that children could not perceive.

All of your customer must know is that they didn’t get the web page they needed. They don’t actually care in regards to the why. They only desire a answer.

The answer here’s a single CTA button to return to the Lego.com homepage.

12. E-mail Middle UK

Why It Works

E-mail Middle UK (now a part of Xtremepush) used a 2-part 404 web page that takes all the duty for the error, giving customers a enjoyable strategy to work out their 404 frustrations.

You’ll additionally discover that this web page doesn’t blame the person for the issue. As an alternative, they’re apologetic.

They flip the web page right into a recreation, the place guests get to decide on which developer in charge for the 404 web page error. Once you click on the individual you need to hearth, you get a follow-up web page that appears like this:

It is a strategy to flip your 404 web page into slightly recreation that will increase engagement AND the person expertise.

13. List25

Why It Works

This 404 error web page from List25 is sensible. It’s so on-brand that customers don’t know whether or not to chortle or roll their eyes.

As its title suggests, List25 is a website completely for prime 25 record articles. And their “web page not discovered” error message isn’t any exception, providing a listing of 25 potential explanations for the 404. Some critical and a few in jest.

They’ve a search bar on the prime so guests don’t need to scroll right through the record. That search bar can also be repeated on the backside, so it’s readily accessible to customers who learn the complete record.

14. Brett Terpstra

Why It Works

Some of the annoying issues about 404 error pages is that they’ll sign a lifeless finish. If the web page isn’t well-designed, chances are you’ll find yourself with nowhere to go subsequent.

Brett Terpstra’s 404 web page offers a listing of posts associated to any key phrases within the defective URL. The posts are hyperlinked, so misplaced guests can simply navigate to them.

The web page isn’t showy, however it’s exceedingly helpful. That’s as a result of it’s personalised to the person and offers related data.

15. Steve Madden

Why It Works

Steve Madden’s 404 web page presents a number of choices to misplaced guests. The search field is a superb addition to any 404 error, and this instance additionally offers a chat hyperlink, an e mail deal with, and a telephone quantity for buyer assist. This tactic lets guests know that assist is on the market.

Under the principle error message, they’ve a photograph gallery carousel of widespread merchandise. This distracts guests from what might be a really irritating expertise and retains customers on the positioning. Sneaky and efficient.

Bonus tip:
Assist your misplaced guests out along with your 404 error message textual content and design. The concepts under can encourage guests to proceed searching and looking, extending their time in your website.

Some issues to incorporate in your 404 web page design:

• Menu navigation
• A hyperlink again to the homepage
• A hyperlink to your sitemap
• A search bar
• Hyperlinks to widespread posts or merchandise

And with SeedProd, you possibly can simply show merchandise in your 404 error web page. Merely drag considered one of SeedProd’s customized WooCommerce blocks and drop it into place.

You’ll be able to select from blocks like merchandise grid, sale merchandise, top-rated merchandise, and extra.

16. 9gag

Why It Works

Meme website 9gag’s 404 web page has 1 goal: to get you to obtain their app. They don’t even faux to need anything.

As a enjoyable contact, the background is a full web page picture of the favored Pulp Fiction Travolta gif.

And ease is vital right here.

Sure, we simply talked about providing up methods to maintain your guests searching, however don’t overwhelm them with too many choices, both. When you have 1 main objective, then you possibly can focus solely on that.

17. Fb

Why It Works

Anybody who makes use of Fb usually has possible seen their “web page not discovered” message. On this case, the explanation for the error message is extra difficult than a easy defective URL.

The textual content right here explains that the person could also be seeing this web page on account of privateness settings and permissions.  Fb then offers a number of CTA choices to let customers proceed to browse.

The takeaway right here is that some web sites would possibly want to provide a bit extra details about why guests are getting an error. Hold this in thoughts you probably have an internet site that requires login, membership, or particular permissions.

18. IMDB

Why It Works

IMDb, the Web Film Database, exhibits guests a film quote on their 404 web page.

The branding is refined right here. There aren’t any film posters, no trailers competing for the customer’s consideration. IMDB merely presents up a film quote, a hyperlink to the positioning’s homepage, and a hyperlink to the quoted film.

When designing your 404 error web page, be sure that to preserve model familiarity.

Quite than disorienting your customers, will probably be reassuring for them to expertise the identical model that they know and love.

19. Everipedia

Why It Works

Everipedia (now IQ.wiki) was a blockchain-based on-line wiki. Its 404 web page was a wiki entry for “404 Not Discovered.” It was the whole lot its guests would count on from an internet encyclopedia.

Everipedia cleverly used their 404 web page to bolster their mission to supply data.

TED speaker and marketer Renny Gleeson mentioned of the 404 error web page, “A easy mistake can inform me what you aren’t. Or remind me why I like you.“

Use your 404 web page to remind guests why they love you. What’s your distinctive worth proposition? What units you aside out of your rivals?

If you happen to can shortly reply that out of your 404 pages, you’ll be set to transform your misplaced guests into subscribers and paying clients.

20. Sydo

Why It Works

Who doesn’t like to play video games?

Sydo is a French academic consulting company that has gamified their error web page.

When guests land on Sydo’s 404 message, their cursor turns into a dice that they’ll use to knock down the letters on the web page.

Guests can play this straightforward physics recreation, maintaining them engaged on the positioning for some time. Possibly even lengthy sufficient to recover from their frustration of touchdown on an error web page within the first place!

No, you don’t need to develop your personal recreation. However do take into account including an interactive component to your web page.

Including an interactive component provides your website’s guests one thing to do in your 404 error web page. This will increase time on web page and reduces bounce charges, each necessary for SEO (search engine optimisation).

21. Amazon

Why It Works

If an organization like Amazon is having enjoyable with its 404 web page, meaning you most likely ought to, too.

Amazon begins by apologizing in huge, daring letters. It then redirects customers to Amazon’s homepage OR permits customers to fulfill “the canines of Amazon.”

This lighthearted redirect is an effective way to maintain folks on their website for longer. In any case, who doesn’t love canines? Chances are you’ll be unhappy that the product you clicked on isn’t obtainable, however a minimum of you get to see a cute canine!

22. Evand

The 404 web page above was created for Evand, an Iranian occasions market. This instance is especially useful as a result of its designer revealed a case examine about this error web page.

Why It Works

The three informational bins make it straightforward for guests to search out the hyperlinks and data they want. The “About Evand” field is a great thought right here, as a result of a number of their 404 visitors got here from customers clicking outdated or incorrect occasions hyperlinks. The field makes it clear to guests that they’re on a ticketing platform web site, not the web page of the occasion organizer.

Evand’s earlier error web page had no CTAs or methods to browse the web site. Each single 404 customer merely left the web site utterly. Once they redesigned to the web page above, 25% of 404 guests began utilizing the hyperlinks to stay on the positioning.

Convert Guests With Inventive 404 Error Pages

And that’s it for immediately! These 404 web page examples have illustrated a wide range of sensible techniques for error messages, together with:

• On-brand textual content and pictures
• Lead magnets
• Search bars and homepage CTAs
• Buyer assist hyperlinks
• Animated or interactive components

We hope you’re feeling able to create the proper 404 web page to your web site. To get began, take a look at this step-by-step information:

Tips on how to Simply Create Touchdown Pages in Below 5 Minutes

Need extra methods to maintain guests in your website for longer? Learn the way you need to use OptinMonster’s Exit-intent® expertise to make particular presents to guests as they depart your website.