Read how annoying error page is? If you were ever annoyed by an error page, be sure that your visitors feel exactly the same way.
Error page increase the bounce rate of your website and hurt your Google Ranking. Even thou the best solution to any error message is to ensure that all web pages are working, this entry would attempt to reduce the frustration of your targets should an error occurs.
Like any technology, there are chances of breaking down, build a backup plan to get yourself covered.
Here are some key ideas to remember when designing your own Error 404 Page:
- personalisation, this shows ownership over your entire website, which speaks a lot about your brand;
- provide an alternative solutions (i.e: home link) gives you a second chance to re-engage them;
- be entertaining (what’s a better way to say sorry than to make someone smile
Here are some interesting ways how others do it
Have a beautiful brand? Make use of your own products to bring out the situation. Clever images are able to incorporate your brands and with a clear message intent. That’s how Lego does it.
Do not have a physical product? Let your people help tell the story. This error page would leave a stronger impression of your customer service level would be able to help you tide over this one.
Another way of lighten things up is to cheer your visitors up with a game. The guys at Blue Fountain Media placed a game of Pac-Man played out in a 404-shaped maze, bringing out the error message. Not too sure if the game works as well as the original game itself, but the point is putting a game in attempts to reduce the disappointment out of facing a 404-error.
Stressed over what kind of image to beautify the page? Simplicity can be a beauty as well. Keeping the three points in mind; personalize, provide alternative and be entertaining to apologize for your error.
Above are few of Pixely’s favourite 404 designs. Let’s end off with a tribute to those socks swallowed by washing machines or missing without reasons.
Unaware how to place your Error 404 pages so that they load correctly? Leave us a message and we would tip it off to you at the ease of an email.
