We’ve all come across a 404 page at some point in our internet browsing experiences. They may be perplexing and annoying, whether you’re new to the internet or a seasoned veteran. So, why do they exist in the first place?
404 pages inform visitors that the page they were looking for no longer exists and redirect them to another portion of your site (hopefully). Unfortunately, 404 pages are frequently disregarded and handled as an afterthought. Countless hours have been invested on your website and the content pages that make it up, but when it comes to the 404 page, it’s tempting to utilize the generic error number to save time (but don’t).
Having a unique (and creative) 404 page is a pleasant surprise for visitors. It makes light of a dire circumstance and can direct visitors to a resource that can assist them. You can either hire a professional designer from Tekglide development etc or follow the given tips for the best results.
Here’s how to make a fantastic 404 page for your website:
- Be Descriptive.
The illustration is quite popular and well-liked. So why not use it on your 404 page to demonstrate your originality and attention to detail?
These 404 page’s graphics serves two functions. First, it sets up the 404 messages and provides you with a ‘someone’ to lead you. The pigeon makes direct eye contact with you and communicates to you, offering you alternatives for what to do next.
2. Be literal
On your 404 page, you don’t have to avoid the topic. Everyone understands why they ended up there. Thus, showing a literal portrayal is perfectly acceptable.
A robot (representing the website or the internet in general) is starting to fall apart at the hinges. It’s broken, visually indicating that the link you’re looking for is also broken.
3.Make a fashion statement
If you’re creating anything illustrative, it doesn’t have to be very detailed to appear realistic. Wherever possible, take liberties and stylize. The images begin to resemble cartoons and become more accessible.
The image is highly stylized on this 404 page. The primary forms and flat colors work nicely together to create a scenario. The message is even stylized in specific ways. Rather than having anything very technological, the sheep is to blame for the incident, having (figuratively) pulled the plug on the page you were looking for.
4. Make use of appropriate images
While it’s amusing to use photos on your page that don’t make sense, it’s also essential to utilizing images that do. Instead of just making a joke with a picture and a one-liner, it ties the idea together and makes greater sense.
This website is an excellent example of how to use appropriate images. For example, the red stoplight warns you to halt because something is wrong. They don’t utilize a typical red circle; instead, they employ their emblem. This reinforces the brand while also adding a creative element.
5. Provide alternatives
When a visitor arrives at a 404 page, it’s critical to move them to the next step. For example, do they return to your site’s homepage or go backward? The more direction you provide them, the more likely they will stay on your site instead of leaving.
When visitors arrive at a 404 page, it provides them with many alternatives. They have the option of returning home, conducting a search, or visiting the brand’s social media accounts. Instead of treating the page as the be-all and end-all, they maximized its potential and are more likely to retain rather than repel visitors.
6. Make it a pun
Why not take advantage of the fact that 404 pages are all about something not being found? Please make a list of frequent idioms and pictures associated with something being lost and use them to establish the scene.
This article depicts one of these scenarios: being stuck on a lonely island and expecting to be discovered (just like what the visitor was searching for).
7. Be a little cheeky
Make your visual correspond to a hilarious message you’d like to send along with the 404 code if you have one.
This website contains a clever message about not panicking and keeping an eye on your oxygen levels. However, they depicted an astronaut drifting out of control into space instead of going without a visual. Is that a message for you or a message for the astronaut?
8. Be elaborate
Go for it if you like to be overly ornamental. An ornate and decorative style may elevate the atmosphere of your website if done right.
This page is a stunning combination of intricate elements and a plain white background. The bright picture extends into the text, creating little peekaboo windows, cutting it off with white rather than carrying it through guarantees that it doesn’t grow too crowded while still translating.
9. Step outside of the computer
Step away from the applications for a while, just as the prior recommendation. Make something three-dimensional with your hands.
Instead of flat images, this page features handcrafted clay figurines. Because of the handmade element, it sticks out among other 404 pages. In addition, it has personality, and the character inside it is relatable (it is frustrating to reach a 404 page).
Even though he is pretty busy, he still manages to interpret.
10. Establish an emotional bond
You’ve accomplished something significant if you can establish a connection with a visitor on your page. They’ll connect with your brand if you appeal to their emotions.
When coupled with the content, this artwork is moving. When you see two individuals who have a connection, you image them out on the open road with no specific destination in mind, just going wherever the wheels take them. It’s an idea that most people can appreciate and even desire to achieve, but it’s just unrealistic enough to be wished for rather than done.
11. Have a theme
Choose a theme and stick with it. Your page will be more unified and operate together if you choose a consistent theme.
This is where the logo color comes from. The teal color runs from the logo to the graphic, some text, and down to the footer. It would have been too cluttered and disjointed if different colors had been utilized in each region.
12. Make it relatable to your audience
Use pictures that your audience can connect to since this will help them build a bond with your business.
This 404-page artwork is relevant to both the audience and the message it conveys. After supper, everyone understands what a clean plate looks like, and the messaging of ‘no longer having it’ is based on that image. What was formerly there is no longer there, as seen by the photographs.
13. Make it simple to comprehend
If a few folks don’t know what a 404 page is, explain it to them. It does not have to be expressed in words but rather in images.
This 404 page is deadly serious. It features a 404 code, a line of text indicating the page can’t be found, and a picture of a man looking for something via binoculars. It’s pretty reasonable.
14. Be open to new ideas.
Experiment with your 404 page as much as you like. Disrupt the status quo and test the boundaries. Of course, you can always go back if you go too far, but if you don’t try, you’ll never know what may happen.
A lot is going on this 404 page. Different hand-drawn typefaces and artwork are employed, the colors change, and texture is used in certain parts but not others. Yet, even with so much going on, it still works. Everything is in its place and isn’t too overpowering.
15. Don’t limit yourself
Just because you’re making a page for a computer screen doesn’t imply you have to design it just for that screen. Experiment with different proportions and be open-minded.
Rather than covering the entire screen with the message, this 404 page displays the news on the camera screen. This is a novel and fascinating approach to what may otherwise be just another online page. Even though the screen is tiny, the message can still be read well.
16. Give it a competitive edge
Whether in terms of shape or attitude, being edgy is quite appealing and is becoming more mainstream.
This page opted to be edgy (and its looks). Skateboarding is a popular sport (especially among younger generations) with a unique attitude. It has an edge because of the message ‘you just bailed’ (especially paired with the subtext). The image is related to the words, and the red filter enhances the photo’s intensity.
Now it’s your turn.
There’s no reason you shouldn’t have one now that you’ve seen so many great examples of 404 pages. So if you include any of these suggestions on your website, you’ll have a 404 page that’s worth sharing (it may even end up on a list like this one).
