404 Error Page

This is one of the most common errors that internet users experience. A 404 error means that the server is unable to find the URL that has been entered; the user is able to connect to the server but the domain does not exist or the URL has been misspelled. In most cases, when a user encounters a 404 error, they will abandon their search and move onto another site. This is not good for business.

Why the 404 Error Appears

It is important to avoid this error page from showing. To prevent users from leaving your site, there are several ways to avoid the error page from showing. The error can often appear because a page on the site has been deleted and a link still exists to this page. This can be avoided by using a 301 redirect to the new page that replaces the old one or a page that provides similar information. It may also happen because a link has been misspelled or is missing part of the HTML protocol, so it’s important to always check internal links on your site or when including external links on social media sites or blog sites.

It could also happen that a user types the URL incorrectly. You have no control over this but there are ways to mitigate the problem by using a customized error page. By customizing your error pages, you’re more likely to retain people on your site when there is an error. Firstly, you can provide a less-intimidating message that provides a friendly explanation and offers solutions. It can be helpful to include links on the customized 404 error page that will encourage the user to navigate to another page on your site—perhaps a Help or Contact page.