A 404 error page is inevitable and could be an infuriating experience when it doesn’t tell us anything about what we should do. Much less so when the 404 pages come in an uninteresting visual.
An unexciting 404 page can gravely affect your brand and lead to a missed opportunity. That is why many large companies polished their 404 error pages into something fun and beneficial for web visitors. Prior to diving into the 404 page examples, let’s have a closer look first at this issue.
What is a 404 Page?
Also widely known as “error page” or “page not found”, a 404 page is defined as a page that web visitor sees should the URL they meant to visit is unavailable or doesn’t exist. It can also tell the users that the page is inaccessible.
Obviously, users won’t find the required information if the page they want to visit can’t be accessed. Even worse, it affects your website traffic since Google can automatically identify that your web doesn’t provide a decent user experience.
On the bright side, your 404 page can be an excellent opportunity to show that you care about your customers’ experience, resulting in an enhanced brand image. When done correctly, 404 pages may make users stay longer on your site and even make them forgive the error because of the help you provide through the page.
5 Best Examples of 404 Page Designs
To show that customizing a 404 page is not only feasible but also beneficial for your visitors and company brand, let’s take a look at some of the most outstanding 404 error page examples to know how their pages perfectly work.
1. Marvel
Are you consider yourself an avid fan of Marvel Studios? If you spare some time to visit their official website, you will undoubtedly fall in love with their website, too. Not only do they have a fantastic user-friendly web layout design, but their 404 page is also exceptional.
At first glance, Marvel’s error page is much like other 404 pages. They added an illustration of Thor’s hammer with the phrase “you are not worthy.” However, this page design is simple, so it can keep disgruntled visitors from quitting the website.
2. Netflix
Next up, we have one of the most popular streaming services, Netflix. They have a lot of content lost users can select from their 404 error page. They even included a full-page photo from one of their movies, Lost in Space.
In addition, they added an interrogative phrase, “lost your way?” along with the “Netflix Home” button in which users can click to return to the homepage. The design style is relatively simple but solid enough to provide users assistance when they reach the 404 page.
3. Amazon
404 pages can be an excellent method to enhance brand identity. For instance, Amazon is popularly known for being a huge canine lover. They even demonstrate their interest through the error page.
When you head onto their 404 page, you will find yourself being greeted with tons of copies and images about the company’s many furry friends. Here, you can read the dogs’ profiles ad scroll down to hear stories from their parents regarding how amazing it is to work for Amazon.
4. Blue Fountain Media
The 404 design example we have here doesn’t come from large companies like the others. But Blue Fountain Media has been around the online brand consultation industry for two decades. Thus, their 404 page worth to be listed as one of the best examples.
The 404 page comes with a brief message saying that they are sorry. It also features clean navigation, including the “return to the homepage” link and other menus that are also present on other pages of their site. All these features help users immediately realize what they should do to leave the error page.
5. Disney
Who doesn’t know Disney? Everything that comes from them is a work of art, so is the 404 page on their official website. Unlike the other 404 pages listed above, Disney features animation to make it far more fun. You can see the animated character of Wreck it Ralph poking his head and mimicking the user’s confusion.
Below the 404 is an amusing text that refers to one of their animation films. Furthermore, they have another character at the bottom part of the page to assist web visitors in finding precisely what they are looking for.
On a Final Note
Turn your 404 page into an opportunity to demonstrate your creativity and keep your web visitors engaged. Of course, we can’t undermine that something goes wrong, but it’s alright now. Consider the page as a landing page that can assist your brand development. Make the most of use the examples of 404 pages above as guidance to craft your own page.
