How to design page 404 to attract users?

 Error 404 is the HTTP status code that the server sends if the requested page does not exist. The two most common causes of 404 errors are:

-deleting web pages or files from the server, or changing their address without correct redirect settings (for example, when the site structure changes);

-typo when adding the URL to the page (for example, instead of example.com/hot-news the address example.com/hot-new is indicated).

Many non-existent pages on the site negatively affect its promotion, as it tells web crawlers that the owner or administrator of an online store, blog or portal does not pay enough attention to its development.

How to properly arrange 404 page on the site:

1. Replace the standard 404 Not Found message with a clear message to visitors. For example, on “Page not found” or “Sorry, we cannot find the page you were looking for.”
2. Make it clear to the visitor that the 404 error does not lie with him. To do this, for example, soften the indictment “You entered the wrong URL” to “You may have entered the wrong URL”.
3. Explain to the visitor why he sees a page with a 404 error - perhaps he does not know what to do next, after he encountered this problem. For example, if a user lands on a deleted product card, add the message “Unfortunately, the product you wanted to see has been deleted on the 404 page. We recommend looking at its analogues "and add a block of recommended products below. To implement this idea, you will have to hire a programmer, but the money spent on paying for his work will quickly pay off - the usability of the site will improve, the percentage of failures will decrease, and the profit will increase.
4. Add a 404 page internal search form and text like “Unfortunately, we cannot show the information you were looking for. Perhaps the search will help with this. ”
5. Do not overload the 404 page - this can confuse the visitor even more. Use one or at most two specific solutions (for example, only a block of similar products or only an internal search form) with a brief explanation of each of them.
6. Add the "Report a problem" link to the 404 error page when clicked, which will automatically send an error message to the administrator or webmaster. Or add a feedback form to this page.
7. Design a 404 page taking into account the subject of the site. For example, on the error page of the headphone online store, a photo of one of the models with broken wires will look good. And if you are developing a blog about smartphones, add to the 404th image of a gadget with a broken display.