How to Design a Good Error Page
We’ve all felt the frustration of landing on a stubborn 404 error page while browsing the Web. Whether a user’s blunder or simply a broken link, this occurrence is inevitable, especially if your website contains many pages. Enterprises generally neglect developing a contingency plan for these events. It’s truly unfortunate as a good error page can appease your customers’ irritation, which in turn will decrease the chances of them leaving your site. Here are a few tips on designing good error pages:
- Don’t display the error code. An error number means absolutely nothing to most users.
- Tell your customer why he might have ended up there. Just briefly explain why he’s being shown an error page and what might have happened. Don’t be afraid to admit the error might be on your side.
- Don’t blame the user. Don’t assume your customer made a mistake. Not only is it condescending, but it can also annoy him, especially if the error is on your end.
 Apple clearly indicates what happened without blaming their users |
- Be creative but don’t miss the point. An original error message will make your customer smile but be careful: as much as these 404 pages might be funny and creative, most of them are not helpful. You don’t want to tease your customer and risk to frustrate him even more.
 Boagworld combines humor with usefullness |
- Anticipate common URL typos. Most often, 404 pages are the result of a mistyped URL. Some of these typos can be automatically corrected. For example, sometimes ending a URL with html instead of htm will yield an error. Redirect your customer to the right page.
- Provide alternate links. Present your customer with links to popular content on your site and to your most recent updates. Chances are he’ll find what he was looking for. Don’t present too many links though; it’ll only be more confusing.
45royale Inc. provides popular content or their 404 page |
- Provide a search field. That way, your user has the option of searching for content right from your error page if what he’s looking for is not available in the alternate links.
 Devlounge provides a search field to help users find the content they need |
- Provide a feedback form or button. This will empower your user by giving him an alternate solution, while helping you find out where he stumbled. Just make sure to reply in a reasonable delay.
 1976design has a great 404 page. Notice the quick error report and feedback form. |
As you can see, creating the ideal 404 error page requires work. Some solutions demand more time than others. It isn’t absolutely crucial to integrate all those features but implementing at least a few of them will improve your user experience considerably!
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Very well written. Error pages are very important, and many people don’t understand that. If you check your server stats you will be amazed what % of visits fall off to 404 pages. So it’s important to have custom made, at least something basic.