Turning 404 Pages Into Opportunities ? ?
Alina Zaiets ????
CEO & Founder at Marketing Pot, driving effective digital marketing strategies for B2B companies. Proven track record of generating $1M+ in leads and building high-performing marketing teams.
?? Hey there, awesome marketers!
Ever landed on a website's 'page not found' and felt lost??
Frustrating, right??
But guess what??
These 404 errors can actually be turned into fun, helpful, and even memorable experiences.?
In this edition, we cover:
?? The Story Behind '404 Not Found'?
Where did the '404' in '404 Not Found' come from??
If you've ever been curious about the origin, this Wired article provides an interesting read on its history.?
?? Turning 404 pages into opportunities
The 404 error occurs when a user tries to access a webpage that doesn't exist on the server.?
While many view them as simple technical issues, with a strategic approach, they can actually work to your advantage.
9 Tips To Make The Most Of A 404 Page:
??? Custom 404 Pages
Why settle for a boring "Page Not Found" when you can guide visitors to other cool spots on your site?
Your 404 page is an unexpected chance to guide them further.
?? Say It Like You Mean It
Let users know what went wrong in simple terms.
A touch of humour or your brand's voice can make this hiccup feel more like a wink! ??
?? Include a Search Bar
Give your lost visitors a map!
Let them search for what they were after without going back or closing the tab.
?? Guide Them Back
Offer a menu or links to your popular pages.
Think of it as saying, "Hey, this page isn’t here, but check out these other spots!"
? Consistency is Key
Your 404 page should feel like the rest of your site.
It’s comforting to users and reminds them they’re still in the right place.
Also, it’s important to keep in mind:?
?? Friendly for All Screens
Many of us are glued to our phones (guilty ?? ♂?), so make sure your 404 page looks great on mobile too.
?? Let Them Help You
Provide an easy way for users to report a missing page. It's like having extra eyes checking your site!
?? Tread Lightly with Soft 404s
These are pages that say everything's okay when it's not. Useful sometimes, but overdoing it can confuse search engines.
?? Always Be Testing
Just like you'd test a new recipe before a big dinner, check all parts of your 404 page to ensure it’s serving up the best experience!
?? Need Some 404 Design Ideas? Here is a Figma file out there with 30 404-page designs. A handy reference for your website!
?? 404s & SEO
What Marketers Need to Know
1.404s Are Natural
They occur when a once-accessible page is no longer available. It's part of the web's evolution.
2. UX is Key
While 404s don't directly harm SEO, a poor user experience with multiple 404 encounters can increase bounce rates, which might affect your site's search rankings.
3. Soft 404s are Tricky
They confuse search engines by indicating a page is okay when it isn't. Avoid them.
4. Use Redirects Wisely
Moved content? Use a 301 redirect to guide users to the new location and preserve SEO value. But, limit chaining multiple redirects.
5. Monitor with Tools
Google Search Console is your friend. Track crawl errors and tackle unexpected 404s.
6. Custom 404s for Better UX
A helpful 404 page can guide lost users to relevant parts of your site, improving their overall experience.
7. Address Broken External Links
?These lost backlinks are SEO gold. If someone linked to a page that's now gone, set up a redirect or restore the content.
Quick Wrap!
404s have come a long way, from error bloopers to design wonders.?
Remember, it's all fun and games until users get lost. Keep track of your 404s, keep users happy, and traffic steady.?
Cheers to making the most of every mishap!
All the best,
Alina
??CEO & Chief design officer @Qream
1 年Awesome idea! Our currently says “this page as empty as you exes dm’s” lol
CO founder Next Step Seo
1 年Nice work