Make Your Custom WordPress 404 page Error More Attractive!
We all have somehow heard about or have faced a 404 error at least once in our lifetime at least, but have you ever wondered what is error 404? It is basically an error where the page or link cannot be found. Some links don’t work, as shown by a 404 page. A 404 error means that those who were looking for something on that page either can’t find it or can’t find it anymore. but do you know we can make this error on our website look more pleasing and fun so the user of our website would not find it as appealing as it originally is? In this article, we are going to explore the ways to custom 404 page WordPress and make it more attractive for a user.
Can We Prevent WordPress Errors?
Although the dynamic and complex design of websites makes complete prevention of PHP mistakes impossible, proactive actions can greatly lower their frequency and influence. Maintaining compatibility and security depends on regular upgrades to PHP core, themes, and plugins, therefore reducing the possibility of mistakes from outdated code. Using strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and security plugins—all of which help to minimize mistakes brought on by hostile activity—can help solve problems, but preventing a 404 page not found error completely is nearly impossible.
Do I Really Need A 404 Error Page?
As we have previously stated, a 404 error cannot be avoided, so our website will surely need a 404 error page but you can make this error as an interesting way of engaging your customers of use to the other page or at least can make it as a less pleasing experience. It also makes your website’s user experience a better one and can also add a humorous touch to your website. Through customizing your WordPress 404 error page you can mention some of the links to your popular pages to redirect your user to other directions. So to customize your WordPress 404 error page you first have to find it in your WordPress.
Where To Find WordPress 404 Page?
There may be a 404-error template file that comes with your website’s theme. Go into your WordPress admin dashboard to locate it. Navigate to Appearance -> Theme Editor from the menu on the left. You should be able to change the 404 template (404.php file) located on the right side of the screen. It is also possible that your theme editor might not have a 404.php file for certain themes. You don’t have to be offended by it, as customizing your 404-error page can be much better than that. You also must thoroughly consider how helpful a customized 404-error page will be to readers before you begin to customize it. You must understand its importance.
How Important Is Customizing A 404 Error Page?
Customizing a WordPress 404 error page helps to maintain a pleasant user experience and minimize the negative consequences of discovering a missing page. Instead of displaying consumers a generic error message that could be difficult to grasp and annoying, a well-designed 404 page will help users find their way back to the correct content. This will keep them interested in your site and reduce their anger. Customized error pages could include links to current or popular topics, a search bar, and an attractive note stating that the page you were seeking cannot be found. Along with simplifying usage, this might help the identity of your business by transforming a negative experience into an opportunity to interact with your audience. A well-planned 404 page can also help your site’s SEO by keeping people on your page longer and decreasing the bounce rate of people who leave right away. This makes the site run better overall. (If you are facing frequent WordPress errors and in search of WordPress emergency support we have got the best solutions for you)
How To Customize Your WordPress 404 Page?
There are 3 major ways to customize your WordPress 404 page:
- The first way to customize is by changing the 404.php file. To do this, you need to change the code for the error page and for that, you need a good or basic knowledge of CSS and PHP. But more importantly, you need to make sure you have a backup of the website before starting the real changes in the 404.php file to be sure everything else stays in place on your website.
- The other method is to use the Twenty Thirteen theme’s 404-page template as an application for your theme, which is an additional choice. It is not particularly difficult, but it does need some understanding of coding to ensure that the code transfers correctly and functions properly.
- The last method is to use plugins for customizing your 404 pages. However, keep in mind that you cannot utilize any plugins that are available for your WordPress website. It is not recommended to depend upon the plugins instead you can create a custom 404 page that gives you all control over the page and eliminates the need for a plugin.
Why Shouldn’t You Opt For Plugins For Custom WordPress 404 page?
A customized 404 page loads when a user clicks on a broken link. Bots used by search engines are no different. Bots that detect a broken link redirect themselves to a customized 404 page. Avoid using plugins that create this redirection, as they are not search engine optimization-friendly. But you can use the Smart Custom 404 error page plugin safely without having any negative effects on your SEO, as it is extremely SEO-friendly. It is also incredibly user-friendly and doesn’t require any redirection. You can alter the page using 404Page in the same way as you would any other page on the website. There are certain restrictions, however, in order to make further modifications, you’ll need to create a unique 404 page and have some coding experience.
How To Use The Smart Custom 404 Error Page Plugin For Customization?
- Log onto your dashboard for WordPress Admin.
- See Plugins -> Add New on the left-hand menu.
- Type in404Page—the plugin’s name—in the search bar on the right side of the dashboard.
- Click Install first, then activate the plugin.
- Then design a page for the website that will be typical of your 404 error page.
You must thus go to Pages -> Add New -> establish your own page for this purpose. Like any other page on the website, the new one can be personalized either immediately in the Customizer (as is the case for the Mesmerise theme) or in the WordPress Editor.
- You have further steps to take like reviewing the results after the page you wish to use is ready and customized.
What Are The Options For Customizing A Page With A 404 Error?
- Include a clear title indicating that you are viewing a 404 page.
- If more content or additional indicators are required, you can add one or two blocks to the page.
- You could alter the page’s backdrop. Therefore, it will blend in flawlessly with the general layout of the website and, subtly, with its identity.
What Are the Other Things To Consider For Such Pages?
You can opt for lots of things and consider many other things for customization of your WordPress 404 error page. You can opt for a homepage link that is helpful in guiding users through the navigation process in the event that they arrive at an error page, a helpful message for users to see when they see the 404 error page, and, if not humorous, the wording on the error page should be understandable and helpful, link to some article, as users reading this article will undoubtedly learn how to restart their browser session as well as the reason why the error page is showing at this point in their search.
How To Check The Results?
- Visit Appearance ->404 Error Page on the left-hand menu of the WordPress Admin Dashboard.
- Choose the page you just customized as your 404 page and make it a 404 error page that will show by default should users come upon a broken link.
- Click Save Changes; that’s all. You have completed configuring a personalized 404-error page for your blog or website.
- Re-enter your website address into the browser now and type just anything following the address/justification.
End Words
The above is a basic recommendation to customize it. We wanted to show you that 404 error pages could appear better than the usual error pages. As your page is only another page of your website, you have total control over how you can personalize it that is why a better option for customizing your WordPress 404 error page is by completely customizing it without any plugin so you can have total control over it. If you want to customize your WordPress 404 page in a better way USDigiTarget can help you out by developing Your WordPress pages more beautifully as we are experts in crafting the most appealing WordPress web pages. Our WordPress development Services are popular because of our appalling web designs of ours. We can help you design your WordPress 404 error page in a way that you and your users both are going to love. We have a team of expert WordPress developers and designers to help your WordPress site out in every way possible. So, skip the wait and contact us today for attractive WordPress web pages!
