Why Every Website Needs a 404 Page
Effective techniques for creating a custom error page and the best examples from Tilda and web
Nobody likes landing on an error page. An unexpected 404 Not Found error page can be frustrating, sometimes even causing people to leave your website altogether. But here's the good news: A well-designed custom 404 page can turn that moment of frustration into a positive user-friendly experience. Below, we'll show you how—with real examples.
A 404 page indicates a failed attempt to access something on the web—usually due to a broken link, a dead link, a typo in the address, or an outdated page that no longer exists.
Why You Need a 404 Page
Although you can't anticipate every possible mistake users make, you can certainly prepare for them.
Here's why having a custom 404 page design is essential for any website:
1
Mistakes Happen
Even the most user-friendly website can't stop people from typing a wrong address or clicking an outdated link. Without a helpful custom error page, visitors may abandon your site, leading to missed conversions.
Even the most user-friendly website can't stop people from typing a wrong address or clicking an outdated link. Without a helpful custom error page, visitors may abandon your site, leading to missed conversions.
2
Bigger Websites, Bigger Problems
As your website grows, you'll optimize URLs for search engine optimization (SEO), remove old content, or restructure pages—generating broken links and redirect errors. A 404 page can show users the way back and reduce your bounce rate.
As your website grows, you'll optimize URLs for search engine optimization (SEO), remove old content, or restructure pages—generating broken links and redirect errors. A 404 page can show users the way back and reduce your bounce rate.
3
User Experience and SEO
When people land on a bare-bones error page with nowhere to go, they'll likely exit, harming your ranking and user metrics. Search engines notice crawl errors and penalize websites with excessive broken links. By customizing your 404 page, you help both usability and search engine optimization.
When people land on a bare-bones error page with nowhere to go, they'll likely exit, harming your ranking and user metrics. Search engines notice crawl errors and penalize websites with excessive broken links. By customizing your 404 page, you help both usability and search engine optimization.
In short, a well-designed custom 404 page shows visitors you value their experience—even when something goes wrong.
Tilda has a free built-in tool called SEO Assistant that can audit your website, highlight if a 404 page is missing, and detect other errors. By following its recommendations, you can boost your website's SEO ranking.
Did you know?
Best Practices For Creating a Custom Error Page: What To Remember
1
Explain What Happened
Let people know why they might be seeing the 404 Not Found error page—whether it's a wrong address or a link that no longer exists. Always provide a clear path back to your Home Page or main navigation.
2
Entertain Or Engage
Light humor, an eye-catching illustration, or a short video can turn a frustrating moment into something memorable, helping reduce bounce rate and keeping visitors on your website.
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The tone of your error page depends on your brand identity, but adding a bit of humor never hurts.
3
Bring Users Back
While fun elements matter, remember the primary goal: Guiding people back into your website. Add clear calls to action, links to popular sections, or a prominent "Go to Home Page" button.
4
Maintain Brand Consistency
Even though it's an error 404 page, it's still part of your overall design. Use the same colors, fonts, and brand tone of voice for a seamless, user-friendly experience.
5
Prevent Future Errors
No website is perfect, but you can minimize issues by regularly checking for and fixing broken links. Tools like Google Search Console highlight dead links, letting you address them faster and reduce bounce rate.
How To Create a 404 Error Page On Tilda
1
Build a New Page
Create a dedicated page for your 404 page on Tilda.
Create a dedicated page for your 404 page on Tilda.
2
Design Your Layout
Include a friendly error message, some playful visual elements, and a link to your Home Page (or a search bar, if you prefer).
Include a friendly error message, some playful visual elements, and a link to your Home Page (or a search bar, if you prefer).
3
Publish
After finalizing your content, publish the page.
After finalizing your content, publish the page.
4
Update 404 Settings
Go to Site Settings → More → 404 Page and select the page you just created. Then click Save changes.
Go to Site Settings → More → 404 Page and select the page you just created. Then click Save changes.
Important:
- Don't use /404 as the URL—Tilda's default 404 page will automatically override yours.
- Make sure to republish all pages so your new custom 404 page goes live.
What To Include On a Custom 404 Page
Explain how someone might have ended up on this error page and give them an easy way out: A link to your Home Page, a clear navigation menu, or a search box.
Which Blocks To Use For a Custom 404 Page?
That depends on your goals. A single block with a snappy headline and image works just fine, but if you really want to stand out, consider using a video. For more creative freedom, use Zero Block. If your website has a persistent header, you already have built-in navigation.
First, sketch a prototype of your 404 page. You can find inspiration by browsing examples—for instance, check out the #madeontilda gallery. Next, write your copy and select an image. After that, choose the appropriate blocks from Tilda's Block Library based on your needs. You can also use single-page ready-made templates, such as Tilda's business templates. If your website already has a header with a navigation menu, you'll automatically have links to your Home Page and other sections/pages.
What Should a 404 Page Look Like?
There are no strict rules—your 404 page can be as creative as you want. The most important thing is to make it useful, engaging, and consistent with your brand's identity. Use this as an opportunity to showcase your creativity and make an impression on your visitors.
Inspiring 404 Pages On Tilda
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