Error 404 Page for New Jersey Space Grant Consortium - NJSGC

What is an Error 404 page?

The 404 or Not Found error message is a HTTP standard response code indicating that the client was able to communicate with the server, but the server could not find what was requested (Wikipedia definition). In simple English, the server was found, but not the specific page. Maybe it was moved or deleted?

Do you need an Error 404 page?

It’s a good idea to have a basic “Sorry, page not found.” Do you need something fancier? Keep reading.

How is a Cool Error 404 Page Good for Your Brand?

So, you may ask, if all my business needs is a simple “sorry, page not found” – why go to the effort of creating a fun, appealing, unique 404 page?

Think about the overall purpose of your website or blog. Is it just to disseminate information about your services or products? Do you think you will win over a customer by being dry and boring? Here’s one more chance to say something about the friendly, appealing nature of your brand and perhaps capture the emotions of your potential customer, even if only for a moment.

Analysis of Creative Error 404 Pages

Although it’s sort of like analyzing a good joke, let’s take a look at why some 404 pages succeed in capturing the reader’s attention.

CSS-Tricks: a hole in the paper reveals some CSS code. Holes seem to be popular 404 themes.

Pattern Tap: such a sad guy. Twice. Sad looking or surprised people seem to be common on 404 pages. Talk about stirring of emotions.

Leora’s Arts and Photo Blog: on the topic of surprise, see the surprised girl on my Arts and Photos blog.

But what about brand? Didn’t I say the 404 page could be good for reinforcing brand?

BrightKite: of course, a bright kite makes you think of the BrightKite app, right?

Product Planner uses a concept related to their product on their chalkboard 404 page.

We Follow employs humor in their simple 404 page.

I did notice that some of the 404 pages listed on posts were no longer in use, and the companies had reverted to simpler designs. Was this part of an overall streamlining of the design of the site, or an oversight by the company?

On this blog, Websites for Small Biz, my aim was to make the 404 page informative by adding a tag cloud.

• • •

More on Error 404 pages:

• Creative 404 Error Pages Around for Inspiration: in addition to a fun list of 404 pages, this post includes explanations of 404 pages, why a business should have a 404 page, and links to more creative 404 lists.
• 49 Nice And Creative Error 404 Pages
• Creative 404 Error Page Designs – 30 Interesting Examples

Your turn: What error 404 pages do you enjoy? What do you think would make a good error 404 page? Any ideas of your own that you are unsure of how to execute?