Make Your 404 Error Page Work for You

Have you ever landed on a 404 error page and immediately left the website? That’s because most default 404 pages look generic and give visitors no reason to stay. But did you know that you can create a custom 404 error page on your Squarespace site that reflects your brand and helps keep visitors engaged?

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to build a 404 page that works for your website, giving lost visitors a friendly nudge back in the right direction.

Watch the video

Check out the YouTube video below. 👇🏼

What Is a 404 Error Page?

A 404 error page is what visitors see when they try to access a broken or outdated link on your website. While Squarespace provides a built-in 404 page, it’s often plain and unbranded. A custom 404 page, on the other hand, allows you to:

• Reassure visitors that they’re still on your site.

• Encourage them to stay by providing helpful links back to key pages.

• Maintain your site’s branding, even when something goes wrong.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Custom 404 Error Page

Step 1: Access the Default 404 Error Page

1. Go to your Squarespace dashboard and navigate to Website > Pages > System Pages.

2. Scroll down to the 404 Page section. Here, you’ll see the default message that says something like:
   “We couldn’t find the page you were looking for. Please check the URL or return to our homepage.”
   While functional, this page doesn’t reflect your brand or help guide visitors effectively.

Step 2: Create a Custom 404 Page

To create a better experience for your visitors:

1. Go to the Pages menu in your dashboard.

2. Under the Not Linked section, create a new page and name it “404 Error Page.”

3. Design your custom page to include:

   • A clear, friendly message like “Oops! It looks like you’re lost.”

   • A visually engaging image or design element, such as a humorous graphic or your brand’s logo.

   • A Call-to-Action Button that directs visitors back to your homepage or another key page, like your blog or store.

Step 3: Assign the Custom Page as Your 404 Error Page

Once your custom 404 page is designed:

1. Return to Website > Pages > System Pages.

2. Scroll to the 404 Page section and select your new custom page from the dropdown menu.

3. Save your changes, and you’re all set!

Now, whenever someone encounters a broken or outdated link, they’ll be directed to your custom 404 page.

Tips for an Effective 404 Error Page

1. Keep It On-Brand: Use your site’s fonts, colors, and imagery to maintain consistency.

2. Make Navigation Easy: Include a prominent button or link to your homepage or a sitemap.

3. Add Personality: A little humor or creativity can make a frustrating moment more enjoyable for visitors.

Wrapping Up

Creating a custom 404 error page is a small but impactful way to improve your website’s user experience. It ensures that even when something goes wrong, your visitors feel cared for and have an easy path back to the content they’re looking for.

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Your Designer

I'm Bryan, a Squarespace web designer and founder of Abound Web Design. I have worked with all types of businesses and organizations from preschools to publishing companies to chiropractic clinics and everything in between. If you want to discuss a potential project, you can email me at bryan@aboundwebdesign or get in touch with me here. Alternatively, you can book in a free 15-minute consultation call here.