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In case you’re growing an internet site or serving to to handle one, try to be ready for when issues go flawed.
Hyperlinks get damaged, pages get moved, and customers find yourself someplace surprising in your web site.
This will trigger a giant disruption for individuals utilizing your web site, probably main them to go away your web site to search for what they need elsewhere.
There’s additionally the likelihood that it may influence your search rating if individuals are touchdown on damaged pages from inbound hyperlinks.
That’s the place the 404 web page is available in – appearing as a well mannered acknowledgment that issues aren’t the place they need to be and nudging customers again on monitor inside your web site.
There may be a whole lot of hidden worth inside a 404 web page that does extra than simply state that one thing is lacking, turning an error message into one thing purposeful and helpful.
That’s why we’ve compiled a listing of nice examples that showcase the potential inside a 404 web page so as to add to a consumer expertise reasonably than detract from it.
What Is A 404 Web page?
A 404 web page is a touchdown web page that tells your web site viewers the web page they requested to view is unavailable or, in some instances, doesn’t exist.
So as a substitute of exhibiting that consumer a clean web page, a 404 web page is proven as a substitute to elucidate what’s occurred.
Ideally, customers would by no means land on lacking pages – however the actuality is that previous hyperlinks can slip by the cracks or live on on different websites, even for these with well-maintained web sites.
This will probably end in a poor consumer expertise in your web site, with these customers probably leaving your web site to search for what they need elsewhere.
This will, in flip, have a unfavorable influence on each your web site visitors and rating if not dealt with correctly.
When Would possibly Customers Land On 404 Pages?
There are a selection of the reason why a 404 web page could be proven to a consumer:
The server is down.
A web page moved and wasn’t redirected utilizing a 301 redirect.
The web page by no means existed.
The consumer typed within the URL flawed.
The URL is damaged.
These can all happen from a damaged inner hyperlink inside your web site or when a consumer is redirected to a web page in your web site from elsewhere on the web.
As a result of there are all kinds of causes a 404 web page may be proven to a consumer, it’s finest to have a powerful 404 web page that minimizes the potential unfavorable impact it may have on them.
How Is A 404 Web page A Model Alternative?
A 404 web page continues to be part of a consumer’s expertise of your web site and is totally inside your management, even though their journey has taken a flip someplace unknown.
Meaning the content material of your 404 web page may be designed nonetheless you see match, forming a key a part of your web site similar to another web page it’s worthwhile to design to signify your model.
If customers really feel like their misstep in your web site hasn’t been punished or ignored however reasonably is because of a foreseen situation, you possibly can assist retain their consideration and maintain them on-site.
Through the use of a 404 web page as one other alternative for web site viewers to expertise your model’s character, you possibly can even carry them nearer to your online business and switch a probably unfavorable expertise right into a optimistic one.
What Makes A Nice 404 Web page?
The most effective 404 pages are people who really feel genuine, giving a correct response to customers that makes their unplanned step off of your sitemap really feel thought-about.
Even higher, the 404 web page can supply different web page choices to take these customers elsewhere inside an internet site, which may assist them discover what they want.
Making full use of your model’s tone of voice can flip the error message into one thing way more pleasant and personable, which might offset the inconvenience of lacking data.
It may even be pleasant in surprising methods, similar to with attention-grabbing imagery or branded content material that may really feel like particular Easter egg content material inside your web site.
40 Of The Greatest 404 Web page Examples
1. Marvel
Screenshot from Marvel, February 2024
Marvel makes use of its intensive checklist of comedian ebook characters and the recognition of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to craft distinctive and entertaining 404 pages for its web site.
The supporting line underneath the principle 404 error message brings in a related character or plot line round objects being misplaced, unavailable, or stolen away, which provides loads of character to the web page.
Coupled with a related picture, it transforms a lacking character bio or comedian ebook itemizing into an error that feels much less irritating and extra enjoyable.
2. Able to Go Survival
Screenshot from Able to Go Survival, February 2024
Bringing in well-liked cultural references may be one other option to make your 404 “Web page Not Discovered” message extra attention-grabbing, as this survival web site has achieved with an iconic scene from The Matrix.
This references the selection provided by Morpheus inside the movie between a crimson capsule or a blue capsule, offering Neo with the solutions he’s looking for.
Able to Go Survival performs with this alternative, although, as each choices hyperlink again to the homepage – so customers can begin their journey once more and make new selections from there.
This reframes the error message as a alternative, providing a manner ahead reasonably than being a dead-end web page that might go away customers caught.
3. Kualo
Screenshot from Kualo, February 2024
Lengthy-time hosting supplier Kualo has turned its 404 error web page into an opportunity for customers to get caught right into a little bit of interactive nostalgia.
Customers who encounter a damaged hyperlink are informed that Area Invaders are the trigger, and now’s your alternative to take revenge.
Whereas this won’t present customers with the data they had been in search of, by launching straight right into a hands-on gaming expertise, customers are stored engaged with an surprising second of pleasure.
This creates extra of a narrative round why web site guests are seeing a 404 message, which is extra in line with the model’s character.
Plus, there’s nonetheless the choice to return and decide up their consumer journey the place they left it after they’ve had their enjoyable.
4. Steve Lambert
Screenshot from Steve Lambert, February 2024
Given the surprising nature of a 404 web page, it’s an ideal alternative to create a memorable second in your web site.
Steve Lambert has a singular method to this on his private web site along with his boldly titled “The Most Awkward 404 Not Discovered Web page on the Web,” wherein he contains a cringe-inducing video of himself making horrible jokes.
Whereas this could be a normal characteristic for many web sites, this fits Lambert’s model of experimental artwork and helps to construct his private model additional.
By embodying his off-beat model utterly, even inside his 404 web page, his strategies that the consumer made a mistake touchdown on his 404 web page really feel extra tongue-in-cheek and a part of the expertise than an accusatory comment.
5. Mailchimp
Screenshot from Mailchimp, February 2024
As an e mail advertising platform, Mailchimp’s focus is on automation and making life for advertising professionals simpler.
So naturally, its 404 error web page is on-brand and on-message to maintain issues easy. It takes accountability for the lacking web page after which suggests returning to the homepage to discover a higher place to go.
The hand-drawn art work is what actually units the tone, although, with a confused cartoon donkey peering right into a void – as if trying to find the lacking web page – to assist the web page’s messaging.
The mixture of the 2 captures Mailchimp’s signature use of playful graphics and coy humor to infuse simplicity with character, which hopefully convinces customers to hit the distinguished “Mailchimp Dwelling” button and proceed their journey onwards.
6. Left Logic
Screenshot from Left Logic, February 2024
Designer Remy Sharp and the staff at Left Logic push the inventive boundaries of what’s potential utilizing JavaScript, with their 404 web page working in a manner that engages the consumer a little bit in another way.
Web site guests who find yourself navigating to the error web page are handled to a clean pixel-art canvas the place they will present a little bit creativity and draw their very own masterpieces, with submissions from different customers being proven on the precise for inspiration.
This gallery of different consumer art work is a covert manner of exhibiting that the consumer isn’t alone of their 404 journey, and subtly encourages engagement with the train earlier than circling again to the positioning’s homepage.
7. Magnt
Screenshot from Magnt, February 2024
When you find yourself on Magnt’s 404 web page, you’re handled to a little bit visible humor inside some clear design.
Relatively than merely stating the error, the model has created a Venn diagram that covers the 2 most important bases for why the consumer has ended up right here – consumer error or an internet site situation.
Both manner, each would end in touchdown on this daring 404 error message.
This light-hearted method to a 404 web page places a extra human spin on hitting a lifeless finish, softening the frustration and laying out the accountability.
With the Again house button given prominence inside the design, the web page gives a fast little bit of wit earlier than encouraging customers to circle again to the beginning of their journey.
8. Lego
Screenshot from Lego, February 2024
As some of the inventive family manufacturers, Lego retains it gentle with its 404 web page, which performs with the gentle shock of ending up someplace unknown on its web site.
The copy makes use of extra family-friendly language with, “Oh bricks!” reasonably than different alternative expletives and follows up with a tongue-in-cheek point out of popping their head again on after the shock of showing on the 404 web page.
The imagery of a barely scared Lego man, Emmet, from the favored Lego films, works alongside this to create empathy with the consumer’s expertise and a mutual sense of shock.
This places each events in an analogous place, so while you’re gently inspired to shortly transfer again to the protection of the homepage, customers really feel they’re helping themselves and Emmet too.
9. Wendy’s
Screenshot from Wendy’s, February 2024
When individuals consider Wendy’s, their ideas doubtless land on its signature burgers – the Baconator or Dave’s Double – and the model’s red-haired mascot.
So, for Wendy’s 404 web page, the corporate has whipped up a branded model of the old-school burger-stacking sport “BurgerTime” that includes Wendy herself.
The web page opens with a traditional 404 message earlier than inviting customers to grow to be gamers and dive into a fast little bit of enjoyable.
As gamers dodge hotdogs and drop quick meals objects onto the tray beneath, they could neglect their frustrations as they’re charmed by the nostalgic gameplay earlier than urgent begin on their web site journey as soon as once more.
10. 9GAG
Screenshot from 9GAG, February 2024
Web humor hub 9GAG retains its 404 web page easy but completely on model.
Whereas the copy is stored quick and to the purpose, it’s the background imagery that’s the main focus – utilizing a twist on a traditional Simpsons GIF to summarize the sensation of seeing a 404 error.
That empathy with the consumer is prone to get them laughing and falls proper into 9GAG’s tone of voice candy spot.
Memes act as a communicative shorthand that may flip frustration into enjoyable by shared expertise.
9GAG additionally makes use of this as a chance to nudge customers in direction of its cell expertise as a substitute, so you possibly can scroll to your coronary heart’s content material.
11. OrangeCoat
Screenshot from OrangeCoat, February 2024
As a self-styled “gourmand internet design” firm, Orange Coat breaks the mildew and serves up a flowchart for its 404 web page to redirect a consumer’s journey.
Addressing the web site viewer as a ‘blissful web traveler,’ Orange Coat invitations them to reply a sequence of sure or no questions till they arrive on the proper tip to get the consumer again on monitor.
Relatively than merely providing a single choice of returning to the homepage, Orange Coat sees the consumer extra as a person, providing a flowchart to information them within the course of the most effective match for his or her wants.
This fashion, customers usually tend to keep on the positioning to seek out what they need reasonably than clicking off and going elsewhere.
12. DashThis
Screenshot from DashThis, February 2024
DashThis focuses on advertising reporting software program, so it has catered its 404 web page to the nerdier aspect of its viewers with a traditional Lord of the Rings reference disguised inside knowledge visualization.
Whereas the chart recreates Mount Doom and the Eye of Sauron, the textual content contains a play on phrases (404 = Mordor) to make this error web page a little bit extra light-hearted.
Even when this reference goes over a consumer’s head, there are three hyperlinks proper beneath to get them again on monitor – sending them to the homepage, assist middle, or for a chat with their assist staff.
This can be a unbelievable instance of mixing model goal with some irreverent enjoyable and genuinely useful signposting to help a misplaced consumer.
13. Assist Scout
Screenshot from HelpScout, February 2024
Assist Scout is all about providing a easy, private, and highly effective platform to assist together with your advertising duties – and its 404 web page isn’t any exception.
It has personified its model by bringing Scout, a reasonably lovable pup, that will help you discover another choice inside its web site that will help you whereas protecting the copy heat and inspiring.
With a number of choices out there to help, from discovering out extra about its platform to the chat button nonetheless being clearly seen on the backside, the model additionally engages customers by asking anybody with their very own canine named Scout to submit a photograph.
Whereas area of interest, it’s one thing that makes the model really feel extra genuine and human – a pleasant contact for a 404 web page that might in any other case really feel fairly robotic.
14. World Affiliation of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
Screenshot from WAZA, February 2024
Generally, choosing a way more playful and personable method to melt the touchdown on a 404 web page.
WAZA ditched the same old error message and as a substitute let its animals do the speaking, with a flamboyance of flamingos squawking in regards to the lacking webpage.
This extra novel method goals to maintain the consumer engaged by leveraging related video content material earlier than subtly getting them again on-site to proceed their journey.
The speech bubbles surrounding the flamingos step by step lead you again to a hyperlink directing you again to the principle web site, giving the consumer a quick little bit of brevity earlier than they return to the homepage.
15. BluePath
Screenshot from BluePath, February 2024
Knowledge technique and science won’t be the simplest issues to weave right into a 404 web page, however BluePath has built-in it seamlessly with a artful name to motion included.
The concept a 404 web page is identical as wandering off of the sitemap is performed with, exhibiting that you simply’re – in some methods – a little bit bit particular to finish up right here by going off the overwhelmed path.
Right here, the model showcases its knowledge prowess with an interactive crime hotspot dashboard and leverage copy that’s a bit extra risque with the pun – “as a result of it’s against the law you haven’t employed us but!”
This can be a inventive manner of probably securing leads by a flawed activate its web site and performs into the character of BluePath’s model.
16. Spotify
Screenshot from Spotify, February 2024
As one of many main gamers within the music streaming house, Spotify has a status to uphold with its 404 error web page to maintain it consistent with the remainder of its model.
When a consumer’s monitor by the Spotify web site has a record-scratch second, they’re greeted by linework imagery of a turntable coming to a halt whereas the copy performs out an old-school Kayne reference – 808s & Heartbreak being his fourth album title.
The get together doesn’t cease there, although, as Spotify signposts each its FAQs and Neighborhood pages as different areas for customers to seek out their groove once more.
If neither of these fits the consumer, they’re additionally ready to return and replay the earlier web page they had been on to allow them to decide a special hyperlink to comply with as a substitute.
17. Myriad
Screenshot from Myriad, February 2024
Myriad is a savvy video manufacturing company working out of North Carolina, with a 404 web page that leans proper into its analog roots.
When web site guests tune right into a web page that doesn’t exist, they’ll see a traditional SMPTE shade bar check sample and ‘OOPS NO SIGNAL!’ blaring throughout the display in an homage to CRT tv period broadcasts.
This can be a nod to the technical difficulties that generally struck in broadcasting, now repurposed for a extra fashionable situation that’s utterly on-brand for Myriad.
The 404 messaging is properly built-in in a manner that appears like a part of the design, with a CTA on the backside to return viewers to common service on the homepage.
18. Fern
Screenshot from Fern, February 2024
Fern’s credentials as a design and animation studio imply that individuals doubtless anticipate distinctive experiences on their web site, and its 404 web page doesn’t fall quick.
The scrolling textual content gives eye-catching motion, whereas illustrated visuals and a Clay Davis meme second from The Wire assist convey Fern’s playful model voice and aesthetic.
As a 404 error is often fairly uncommon, this appears like a peek behind the scenes at Fern’s unfiltered creativity and tone of voice, selecting out components of enjoyable from an undesirable expertise.
Rounding this out are two fast strains of copy that shortly get individuals again onto the principle web site to allow them to uncover my playful content material similar to this.
19. Disney
Screenshot from Disney, February 2024
One enterprise with immediately recognizable characters is Disney, with its large catalog of animated films to attract upon to make its web site really feel extra vibrant and attention-grabbing.
For its 404 web page, Disney brings out Monsters Inc.’s most important character, Mike, to create a little bit of empathy and share within the consumer’s shock at discovering a lacking web page.
The copy is to the purpose and references a significant plot level from the film – the doorways used for scaring – which is a pleasant deal with for Disney followers who’re within the find out about this.
It then circles again to carry customers again to the homepage to allow them to discover different components and probably meet different fan-favorite characters across the web site.
20. Figma
Screenshot from Figma, February 2024
At first look, Figma’s 404 web page seems to be deceptively plain – simply black Helvetica textual content on a white background that succinctly conveys the error.
Nevertheless, the small blue dots on the 404 numbering invite customers to fiddle with the form of those numbers.
This delicate interactivity performs a number of capabilities – it exhibits off the convenience of Figma’s options, permits customers to take out a little bit of frustration by warping the numbers, and retains the design clear. Therefore, it’s clear that the colourful house button is the most suitable choice to choose.
21. Harmless Drinks
Screenshot from Harmless Drinks, February 2024
Everybody makes errors. It’s one thing all of us should come clean with once in a while, and a 404 web page appears like a very good place to take accountability on your personal.
That’s precisely what Harmless Drinks has achieved with its 404 web page, offering a fast congratulations to the consumer for locating the web page – after which taking accountability for the error.
It then doubles down with some enjoyable, light-hearted content material that takes web site viewers on a brief tour of the model’s earlier missteps.
By doing this, it kinds a bonding second with the consumer and the 404 web page not appears like a unfavorable expertise.
Plus, the daring crimson menu bar responsively follows the consumer’s scrolling down the web page, able to take them elsewhere on the positioning as soon as they’ve completed having fun with Harmless’s earlier little errors.
22. Gymbox
Screenshot from Gymbox, February 2024
Generally, you need to convey to customers that the 404 web page is certainly the flawed place and get them elsewhere quick.
Gymbox, a London-based health club chain, has taken this concept and run with it.
Its 404 error message goes a step additional than others, informing customers that they’re ‘within the flawed place,’ whereas a GIF of John Travolta from “Excellent” gyrating in a health club class of his personal performs within the background.
This looks like an instrument for each shock comedy and gentle discomfort, strategically redirecting customers to wherever else on the web site with the navigation bar standing out clearly on the high of the web page – away from the GIF content material.
23. Jamba Juice
Screenshot from Jamba Juice, February 2024
In style juice model Jamba Juice has taken a finest observe method to its 404 web page, protecting issues to the purpose with only a splash of branding to make the web page really feel proper at house on its web site.
The center message delivers the important thing data in a extra Jamba-oriented manner, whereas the copy above gives a extra stative description of what it means, and the imagery to the aspect reinforces this level.
Beneath, Jamba has supplied a mix of choices that ought to cowl nearly all of consumer wants: a homepage hyperlink, menu choice, and “discover your Jamba,” so you possibly can uncover your closest Jamba location to seize your subsequent juice repair.
Whereas this web page doesn’t do something fancy or surprising, it delivers on the important thing consumer expertise to make sure the corporate has achieved all the things it could to reply a consumer’s wants earlier than they click on away.
24. Kinsta
Screenshot from Kinsta, February 2024
Cloud-based WordPress internet hosting web site Kinsta takes a function-over-form method to its 404 web page, prioritizing being helpful over flashy visuals or novelty components.
Web site guests who land right here will likely be greeted by some sensible copy that explains why they’ve ended up right here and presents a number of hyperlinks to get them again to the place they could need to be.
What’s even higher is that beneath this message is a set of just lately printed sources that could be of curiosity to the consumer, giving them a spread of jumping-off factors for getting again into the web site and discovering invaluable content material elsewhere.
25. Carwow
Screenshot from Carwow, February 2024
Creating an interactive 404 web page may be difficult when it comes to protecting it related to your product providing.
CarWow has managed to implement this flawlessly with an enticing and easy racing sport with a ramping problem stage.
Whenever you (inevitably) crash and burn, the sport really directs you to discover a new automobile in actual life to interchange your fictional one which’s simply gone up in flames.
Plus, for individuals who aren’t significantly taken with setting a brand new excessive rating, there’s some very clear textual content beneath with hyperlinks each to the Automotive Chooser and the homepage to reply some clear consumer wants and get them again on their manner by the web site.
26. Wayside Studio
Screenshot from Wayside Studio, February 2024
Wayside is an revolutionary design and analysis observe that tries to do issues a little bit in another way to bolster the connection between individuals and their communities.
The model’s manner of doing issues is a bit outdoors of the norm, however not only for the sake of it – and the identical goes for its 404 web page.
Upon touchdown, its assertion inexperienced coloring is on full show with clear error message textual content – however the huge distinction is your mouse cursor. A tragic robotic follows your actions across the web page completely, indicating that this web page is a lifeless finish.
This reinforces the very clear error message on the display, with the robotic solely leaving you alone while you return to the navigation bar to choose another choice.
27. Pierre-Louis
Screenshot from Pierre-Louis, February 2024
Pierre-Louis Labonne is a pleasant inventive freelancer with an internet site that actually exhibits off his expertise with a spread of brilliantly designed digital devices and widgets.
His 404 web page isn’t any exception, with a digital machine that pops as much as let you know, “Oops, the web page you’re in search of will not be discovered.” Whereas this looks like a reasonably commonplace message at first, the crank that sits beneath entices customers to dig additional.
Upon turning it, the textual content strikes and is shifted by two puzzle items coming collectively to learn “404.”
It’s a holistically branded package deal the place even the error message is bespoke to Labonne, with a giant and daring ‘Go Dwelling’ button on the high so you will get again to acquainted floor.
28. Crimson Bull
Screenshot from Crimson Bull, February 2024
Excessive vitality and visually gorgeous content material make up Crimson Bull’s bread and butter on the subject of its model.
From its promoting to its common high-octane occasions, Crimson Bull’s web site is rarely wanting attention-grabbing components to have interaction with. So, for its 404 web page, Crimson Bull leverages this wealth of fascinating branded content material and locations it entrance and middle.
This fashion, customers who find yourself listed below are clearly knowledgeable that the web page is lacking whereas serving up a well-edited video of its most up-to-date occasion to carry their consideration.
If web site guests take pleasure in this video, they could be inclined to click on the Gimme extra! button beneath, which takes them by to Crimson Bull’s Uncover web page to restart their journey with renewed vitality.
29. Tumblr
Screenshot from Tumblr, February 2024
Tumblr has gone by many iterations over nearly 20 years on the web, with its 404 web page being an ideal instance of methods to maintain individuals and serve their wants in a one-two punch.
If customers handle to hit the 404 web page, they’re handled to a randomly chosen psychedelic background clip whereas the textual content gives a playful snippet of character.
Whereas informing web site guests that nothing exists right here, it performs with conference to congratulate these trying to find the error web page.
What’s extra is that after three to 4 seconds, the 404 web page routinely redirects customers to their trending web page, to allow them to proceed on their journey after a quick pause within the 404 void without having to raise a finger.
30. Traders
Screenshot from Traders, February 2024
There are many causes a 404 web page would possibly seem for a consumer, however it may be difficult to elucidate or cowl all of the bases with one single web page.
So, generally it’s simpler to fall again on tried-and-true excuses – just like the Traders traditional, “The canine ate our web page.”
It’s a really tongue-in-cheek method with a suitably cute image of a canine holding a web page from the web site, and it does encourage a stage of forgiveness.
This contact of character and wit makes a considerably technical aspect of web site administration extra simple by omitting the jargon of what prompted the 404 and easily providing a foolish excuse as a substitute.
What helps tie this collectively is the search bar sitting beneath to assist get web site guests again to the place they could need to be with solely a quick interruption.
31. Vital Hazard
Screenshot from Vital Hazard, February 2024
As a non-profit that unites designers with the intention to assist endangered wildlife charities, Vital Hazard could be very purpose-driven and comparatively critical inside its narrative.
As a result of its core content material comes with a extra editorial and regarded lens, its 404 web page cuts by utilizing simply three letters – “Huh?”
The web page retains the thematic red-on-red to nonetheless convey the sense of hazard and urgency, however then instantly seeks to get individuals again to the highest of the narrative utilizing the textual content beneath or reorienting them with the hyperlinks within the high left.
Whereas not a transparent 404 web page at first look, it performs its operate elegantly and grabs a consumer’s consideration with a no-nonsense method.
32. Superlist
Screenshots from Superlist, February 2024
Superlist is one other model that makes full use of GIF content material to convey the emotions related to a 404 web page.
Facilitated by an integration with Giphy, the web page rotates by a preset checklist of GIFs – from Moss in The IT Crowd to a dust bike rider hitting the dust – to get throughout the sensation of issues going a little bit bit flawed.
This retains the content material recent whereas nonetheless setting limitations on what GIFs can seem on the web page, simply in case a consumer occurs to land on the 404 web page repeatedly.
By doing so, the web page pokes enjoyable at Superlist for having an issue and encourages customers to see the lighter aspect.
And as soon as a consumer has had their bite-sized little bit of enjoyable, they will hit the button within the middle of their screens to return to the homepage and get their journey again in form.
33. Wizarding World
Screenshots from Wizarding World, February 2024
Likelihood is, for those who’re looking by the Wizarding World web site, you’re fairly aware of Harry Potter and its iconic moments.
The location clearly is aware of its viewers, because it conjures up a key second from The Chamber of Secrets and techniques to reflect a blunder inside its 404 web page.
Harry mispronounces his vacation spot whereas utilizing Floo Powder – a substance used to teleport wizards and witches over lengthy distances. So it is sensible that Wizarding World would use this second when their customers seem someplace surprising.
Channeling relatable moments like this from the supply materials can really feel like an Easter egg for customers, giving them a shocking second of pleasure that brings them a little bit nearer to the model.
34. Thomas Bosc
Screenshots from Thomas Bosc, February 2024
For a private portfolio, it’s essential to get throughout each your experience and character fairly shortly with the intention to make an influence.
Thomas Bosc, a gifted internet developer, and designer, showcases each inside his 404 error web page, main with an image of his youthful self in a magician outfit mysteriously sitting on the middle of the web page.
As a result of it’s the one interactive characteristic, you’re naturally drawn to click on on it.
Whenever you do, he takes to his broom and zooms off to connect to your cursor – leaving solely a “404” message behind in his wake. It’s a little bit little bit of magic that shows Thomas’ expertise and mischief, which is sure to face out from others inside his business.
35. Dribbble
Screenshot from Dribble, February 2024
Being the hub for inventive inspiration that it’s, Dribble takes the chance offered by a 404 error and turns it into yet one more manner for a consumer to seek out the content material they could possibly be in search of.
When web site guests land right here, they’re offered with the everyday error message – together with a instrument for locating additional inspiration that matches a selected shade hex code.
This works in an analogous option to the colour filter on their most important inspiration web page however with a extra visible focus. Customers can alter the 404 textual content shade utilizing the slider beneath, which then generates corresponding works you could click on on to be taught extra about.
So, in some methods, Dribbble’s 404 web page continues to be a helpful a part of a consumer’s journey, even when they find yourself there by chance.
36. Ecosia
Screenshot from Ecosia, February 2024
Ecosia is finest often known as an eco-friendly search engine, focusing its efforts on reversing deforestation and sustaining CO₂ unfavorable operations.
With such a dedication to the good open air and our planet, it is sensible that Ecosia’s 404 web page would additionally concentrate on its tree-planting efforts.
If customers handle to hit the 404 web page, they’re handled to a reasonably lovely shot of a rainforest overlooking a river with the message “Misplaced within the woods?” – enjoying with the model’s goal in a manner that feels genuine to it.
This fashion, its 404 web page ties again into Ecosia’s wider model and feels extra like a thought-about expertise for anybody who finds themselves right here.
37. Discord
Screenshot from Discord, February 2024
Discord’s huge focus is on neighborhood, bringing collectively buddies and greater teams on-line who play or discuss collectively.
This sense of belonging and connection flows by the broader Discord web site expertise, with its 404 web page being yet one more charming instance of placing your model entrance and middle.
Discord’s 404 web page is akin to discovering a secret meals vendor overseas, with copy that’s paying homage to this expertise.
Whereas heat and welcoming, it leads you to some helpful hyperlinks disguised as “studying materials” to take pleasure in whilst you slurp on a bowl of digital noodles.
This irreverent whimsy makes the error web page really feel like much less of an error and extra of a secret space {that a} consumer has found, which nonetheless serves to reply a consumer’s wants with signposted hyperlinks.
38. Enterprise Informal Copywriting
Screenshot from Enterprise Informal Copywriting, February 2024
Calgary-based conversion copywriter Joel Klettke thinks phrases are boring – however copy may be nice.
A author with a transparent, inventive creativeness, Joel has reworked his 404 web page into one thing extra like a madlibs-style journey.
It even does away with the 404 code and easily refers to it as a lifeless web page – therefore the zombified styling of the content material.
By filling in a number of clean fields, customers are handled to personalised content material within the type of a zombie quick story, which facilities across the concept of 404 pages – with a twist of an ending to spherical all of it off.
Whereas the web page itself might not explicitly nudge web site guests again to the homepage, it does showcase a few of Joel’s abilities and probably encourage them to shuffle throughout to different areas of his web site.
39. Gamespot
Screenshot from Gamespot, January 2024
Gamespot has been a scorching matter for a lot of years now after changing into a inventory market sensation, and its 404 web page is but one more reason to be speaking about it.
As a gaming-centric enterprise, it is sensible that its 404 error can be centered round a mini-game for customers to dive into.
With a randomly generated dungeon, customers grow to be gamers exploring an countless dungeon stuffed with attention-grabbing treasures to uncover.
As soon as web site guests have grabbed their fill, the hyperlinks to elsewhere on Gamestop’s web site are clearly marked in crimson to assist adventuring customers discover their option to what they had been actually trying to find earlier than stumbling throughout the 404 dungeon.
40. The-Artery
Screenshot from The-Artery, January 2024
The-Artery takes its creativity critically, having produced some wonderful visuals for manufacturers in addition to TV and movie. Its web site is stuffed with gorgeous 2D and 3D designs, interweaving its experience inside each side of its web site content material with out being too overt about it.
Inside its 404 error web page, numerous pictures from the core pages are pulled collectively to offer customers who’ve disappeared into the void a style of The-Artery’s abilities within the hopes of attractive them again to the homepage.
The copy even frames this nearly because the act of a caring determine guiding a misplaced consumer again house to security, so customers are much less inclined to panic and go away.
Abstract
There’s multiple option to create a 404 web page, and each on this checklist performs a operate that feels proper for the model.
Even higher, every web page feels prefer it has been thought-about as a part of the broader consumer journey and crafted in ways in which reply totally different consumer’s wants with the intention to maintain them on-site.
It’s also possible to see widespread developments inside components throughout a number of 404 pages:
Signposting clear hyperlinks to different helpful areas of the web site.
Utilizing humor to entertain customers with the intention to overcome momentary frustrations.
Placing branded components on the web page so it appears like a part of the core expertise.
Including in interactive components so customers have interaction in novel methods.
Maintaining the copy heat and pleasant so customers don’t panic that they’ve misstepped.
Including in messaging that feels sympathetic to the consumer’s expertise, like shock.
By constructing your individual 404 web page round a few of these key factors, you possibly can assist to make sure customers have an ideal expertise in your web site – even when they find yourself someplace they’re not speculated to be.
Extra sources:
Featured Picture: tanahairstudio/Shutterstock
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