Error 404 - What This Error Means for Your Website and How You Can Optimize Your 404 Page

Every internet user knows it and probably doesn't like it: the error code 404. As a website operator, you can't always prevent a 404 page. These occur, for example, when

1. a link to your page is set incorrectly

2. the link contains a "typo"

3. a URL is deleted, but the user still arrives at the page via an internal or external link

The last two causes can, however, be prevented with a few simple steps. Learn in this article what a 404 page not found exactly means, how you can optimize your page to prevent this error, and how to catch your users effectively if they still end up on a 404 error page despite your efforts.

The Meaning of Error 404

Technically, an error 404 is a client-side error that occurs either because you entered the URL incorrectly or because the page has been moved or removed from the website. In some cases, the user does not reach the intended page but suddenly finds themselves on a page with the error code 404. This is a specially set up page that appears when a website visitor enters a non-existent URL in the browser window. It communicates to the user that the content is not or is no longer available.

The risk with 404 error pages is that users leave the website and continue surfing on other sites.

The following is an example of a non-optimized 404 error page where the note "page not found" suggests to the user that something went wrong. Here, the user is lost and cannot navigate through the site. Therefore, the chances are high that they leave the domain.

With such a 404 error page, the user quickly leaves

To prevent this, an individual error page should be set up that catches the users and prompts them to take a specific action within the website. We have listed some examples of such actions for you:

• Return to the homepage

• Listing of main subpages

• Conducting an internal search

• Navigation menu

• etc.

Excursus: Why the HTTP Status Code Is Important

Communication works very simplified as follows: The client (browser on the device) sends a request to the corresponding web server after entering a URL and asks for the transmission of the data to display the respective website. The server processes this request and sends a response to the client. In addition to the requested data, the server always sends an HTTP status code. If the requested website content is available, it is transmitted to the browser. However, if data is not available, the user is shown a 404 error page. In this case, data is also forwarded, but not the data of the website, but - if available - that of the 404 error page.

When a URL is called that no longer exists, the HTTP status code 404 error is shown (hence the name 404 error page). The HTTP status code 404 in turn stands for "not found".

HTTP is the abbreviation for Hypertext Transfer Protocol and defines the communication between client and server regarding websites and defines the standardized response form. HTTP status codes are sometimes called browser error codes or internet error codes.

Based on the HTTP status code, it is communicated how to proceed with certain information. Therefore, the status code is also important for search engines. The website visitor does not notice anything about this. They don't have to either, as "only" the website content is important for them.

The codes help to identify the cause of the problem when a website or another resource is not loaded correctly.

There are two main groups of HTTP status code errors:

4xx are Client Errors

This group of HTTP status codes includes those where the request for a website or another resource contains incorrect syntax or for some other reason, presumably due to a client (web surfer) error, cannot be fulfilled.

Some common HTTP status codes for client errors include error 404 (the well-known "page not found"), 403 (forbidden), and 400 (bad request).

5xx Server Errors

This group of HTTP status codes includes those where the request for a website or another resource is understood by the website's server, but cannot be fulfilled for some reason.

Some common HTTP status codes of the server error include the often used 500 (Internal Server Error), along with 503 (Service Unavailable) and 502 (Bad Gateway).

Other HTTP status codes exist in addition to 4xx and 5xx codes. There are also 1xx, 2xx, and 3xx codes, which are informative, confirm success, or dictate a redirection. These additional HTTP status codes are not errors, so you should not be alerted to them in the browser.

How to Optimize Your 404 Not Found Pages

Error messages 404 are already annoying per se. To prevent the user from leaving the website, you should optimize error messages 404. There are a few tips for optimizing 404 error pages that we will present to you below.

Include Your Navigation Bar

A 404 page is always annoying. All the more important is it to show the user that they are not at a dead end. One way to offer alternative website content is to display your navigation bar or main menu. The user has the choice here to decide themselves on which pages they want to continue surfing.

With this 404 error page, the navigation bar is integrated.

On this error 404 page, the navigation bar is integrated.

Write a Personalized Text

Error messages should be formulated positively. If you offer a personalized text on the page with the 404 error message, this contributes to a good user experience. The text should refer to your own website and not be too long. A humorous text can soften the user's annoyance in this situation.

Add Graphics to the Text

To give the page with the 404 error code an extra splash, incorporating a graphic is recommended. For example, for a travel portal, a city map is appropriate. A car rental or taxi service can insert a picture of a broken-down car. A zoo site can show an empty animal enclosure. An online shop can depict an empty product shelf. A food company, on the other hand, can present empty food packaging and jars. Creativity knows no bounds.

The 404 error page from LEGO

Use Error 404 for Internal Linking

Internal linking remains an important ranking factor for search engines. Although the well-known error 404 not found pages are not indexed, it is ideal for linking to important content.

Sidebars, ad banners, and the like are usually missing on pages with a 404 error. As a result, the content is prominently perceived. To which content is linked, however, depends on the website. If you have an online shop, you can, for example, link to the current offer page. For service companies, a link to the contact form or the services offered is ideal. Are you a product developer yourself? Then it is recommended to link to the product landing page.

Give the User the Opportunity to Search

The user came to your website because they were looking for something specific. A good error page gives them the opportunity to continue their search within your website and get to the desired information. With an integrated search field, you give them this opportunity.

Provide the Correct HTTP Status Code

What actually sounds trivial can lead to bigger problems. If an incorrect HTTP status code is returned upon a request, instead of an HTTP 404 error a 200, this error page can appear in search results. You should avoid this. Therefore, make sure to specify the correct status code when setting up your error page. For control, you can use, for example, the Chrome browser plugin "MozBar". More information about this tool is available in this blog post.

What We Can Do for You

Do you have a 404 error page and are not satisfied with it? Do you want to offer your website visitors a better experience and adapt your 404 error page in this context but are still unsure how to design it? Or do you want to make sure that your error page also displays the code 404? Then contact us. We will take a look at your 404 page and give you specific tips on how to optimize it for your users. If desired, we will also take over the creation.