Maintaining a website that is successful means being alert for potential errors such as slow loading pages and broken links. Sometimes, however, there are issues that you can't avoid. 404 errors is one such example.When a user requests a page from your website that does not exist, a 404 is thrown. This prompts users to return to their original location. There's always the chance that your website could go down, no matter how much you try to make sure it doesn't.Although it's annoying, it's a fact of daily life. Visitors can react to a page that isn't there from "taking it in stride", to "totally losing your mind."Although there is nothing you can do to change the situation, you can make it a bit easier by creating a creative error message 404. This message can make website visitors smile even in a frustrating situation.This post will highlight some of our favorite error pages for website design. These pages will give you some ideas for creating your own 404 messages.What is a "404" error?A 404 error, a standard HTTP error code, means that the website you are trying to access was not found on the server. This is a client-side error. It means that the webpage has been removed or moved, but the URL was not changed, or that the user entered the URL incorrectly.You can set up your server to create a custom 404 error page. HubSpot customers can click here to see how they can customize their 404 pages in HubSpot.You can customize 404 error pages with a custom image, witty description and site map.These are the Best 404 Web Pages ExamplesWebsites have come up with many ways to notify visitors about 404 errors and redirect them to the correct place. Some are simple, creative, and some are hilarious. Let's begin by taking a look at some of the most creative 404 pages. Then, let's take a look at some hilarious examples that will delight everyone who sees them.Page Not Found: TK Creative 404 Error PagesPipcorns error pages are a perfect match for the branding of other websites. The background is animated and there's a prompt for visitors to search the site (complete with a clever pun) and a piece popcorn as the 0 in the 404.Spotify, the music streaming company, has a clever page that redirects users to its 404 page. The website entertains briefly with a pun on Kanye West's album 808s or Heartbreak and a record animation. Visitors are then sent back to their original page.A quick Oops! message on your 404 page can help ease tension. It makes your site more human and helps users find the right place. The page on Geniallys website includes a fun illustration and some humorous copy.Adobes 404 error page, as you might expect, is both visually appealing and useful. It displays a list of popular links visitors may want, along with some digital art that serves as a visual metaphor to a lost or broken page. Websites should be using visual metaphors more often.Clorox cleaning products' 404 page rotates between three humorous photos to inform visitors that they have made a mistake. This clever branding strategy adds an instant delight while helping lost users.Sometimes, you don't need to add a humorous blurb. Just tell the visitors there is no page at that address and they can move on. The entertainment consulting agency Duma Collective does exactly this with their error page. However, it is complemented by a background photo for some flair.Chillhouse, a self-care brand, has done the extra work to route its customers in style. The page's 404 URL is appropriately branded and takes the visitor on a short journey through some stills, before returning to the homepage.You will be taken to Bitly's 404 page if you type in an incorrect Bitly URL. This is a common occurrence, so the 404 page is concise. It provides information about what could have gone wrong, and encourages users to visit Bitly's homepage if they are looking for that.Ikea's 404 page is a similar minimalist design, but it still has some clever branding. This is a great example of how error pages don't have to be complicated to convey the message, but it doesn't hurt to inject some humor.Although it might sound a little hyperbolic, it shows that Moxie Design Co. does not take small mistakes like this seriously. A search bar is located at the bottom of the page to help you find your way.Ah, the timeless we lost the page trick. Another easy way to present a page 404 without alienating your audience. Clear and concise copy is crucial for every page of McKissack & McKissack's website, even error pages.Have you ever taken off the web's wrap to reveal what lies beneath? CSS Tricks wanted to achieve this concept in their 404 error page. This page is clever and true to the essence of the website: smart page styling.Other websites have the front end unwrapped and you will see the vast empty space. This page refers to GOG Galaxy which is Good Old Games' native video game client. A little video game character allows visitors to report errors if they wish.Canvas 404 page offers something different. This page contains not only an error message but also a tile puzzle that visitors can use for some entertainment. It's okay to let your visitors take a break for a few minutes.Innotech offers some entertainment on its 404 page, similar to the Canvas approach. It features a Pong-esque Pong game to give you some short entertainment. You'll likely remember a website such as this. The fun detour is a great complement to a website that's truly outstanding. After you're done, go back to the homepage and enjoy the entire site.Myriad, a video agency, has chosen a unique and on-brand design for its 404 page. It mimics the SMPTE color bars found on old tapes and TVs. This is a humorous throwback to older technologies, while also addressing the modern problem of a nonexistent website.Marie Kondo is well-known for her cleaning and organization techniques and brand. Marie Kondo brought a similar feel and design to her website 404 page. The copy is humorous and a nod to Marie Kondo's tidying philosophy. It is a subtle but important detail that fans will remember.The error page's illustration is detailed and engaging, but the copy is also clever. We love the Semisonic song Closing Time reference. You can click anywhere, but not here.Hot Dot's error pages remain true to their tagline: The intersection of design and new technologies. They are animated by thousands of tiny dots that move in the direction of your cursor. It is a stunning display of Hot Dot's design abilities.Why not entertain them for a few seconds? OrangeCoat provides a flowchart to help users understand why they are on an error page.This 404 page does much more than just redirect users to active pages. Instead, Ervin & Smith's 404 page invites users to scroll down to learn more about why they need a digital marketing agency and why Ervin & Smith is the best. The page ends with a contact form. This agency is true to its mission. It shows that any page can convert.Your 404 could be used to just waste time, as DayCloud Studios' website shows. The 404 message is displayed by moving the cursor across the screen. It's illuminated with lasers like a cat's eyes. Why not?Headspace is another example of a website cleverly integrating its brand messaging into an 404 page guided mediation app. It encourages users to take deep breaths and then return to the main site.While some websites have used clever branding copy on their pages, others have created full-blown online games. There is nothing wrong with giving a little push in the right direction. Wildwood Bakery's beautiful site keeps it short and sweet (literally).Page Not Found: TK Funny 404 Error PagesThe Astuteos page 404 is an elegant mix of humor, visuals, and usefulness. This layout is simple and easy to use. It also features an amusing visual metaphor: a sinking cargo vessel and a fleeing person.The LEGO 404 error page is short and simple. The characters expressions are clear. The copy is fun and will be enjoyed by fans of LEGO movies.Magnt makes fun of the fact that they might have broken something, or that it's just impossible to type. This visual is intended to illustrate the point quickly.The error page for IconFinder is simple, but it's quite charming. It is funny to see the company's mascot in a robe, looking tired. You don't have to worry, as the site has links that you can visit further down.According to Sweet Dreams, their team apparently took too many products from the website's 404 page. This page is not only funny, but it blends nicely with the rest the site's front-end aesthetic.The phrase "These aren’t the droids that you’re looking for” refers to Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Jedi mind trick on Stormtroopers from Star Wars Episode IV. It has become a common phrase to inform someone they’re following the wrong path. GitHub uses this line in its 404 error message.Patagonia's custom 404 page perfectly captures the brand's vibe. It features a boomerang video featuring a frisbee-twirler, clever puns combining 404 with aloha, as well as links to its product pages. It's a friendly, funny way to welcome visitors who have ended up in the wrong place.Cloud Sigma is letting us into their behind-the scenes action. Their 404 error page appears to be the homepage of a junior developer, with the junior developer acting like a cat.Although you may have been to AMC movies before, it is unlikely that you have ever visited their 404 page. Before it takes you back to the correct place, the website uses a short, humorous, and pertinent one-liner.Creative agencies are known for creating cool 404 pages. Bruno's creative team has created another one that references the 2000 comedy, Dude, Wheres My Car? It has nothing to do the company, website or even this joke, but it is sure to make you laugh.NPR's error page may seem like a standard error page at first glance. Keep reading to see how NPR cleverly links to great stories about lost places, people, and things. This may make lost users feel less alone.Medium follows NPR's 404 page in a similar way, recommending articles on losing and getting lost. These articles are worth a look if you have the time.HomeStarRunner.com is a Flash-animated cartoon website that has seen a number of funny 404 error pages throughout the years. This latest page features characters from the cartoon series in an episode-style scene. You can hear Strong Bad shouting out "404'd!" when the sound is turned on while you load the page.This simple idea looks great! The 404 page of Blizzard Entertainment features an animated character who is lost in a blizzard. It also includes some humor that World of Warcraft lovers will enjoy.You can learn everything you need about the bold and direct style of copy by visiting Hello Big Ideas, marketing and social media specialists. Its 404 error page is not an exception.It happens to all of us! This is how we communicated to our website visitors that there were some issues with their site. HubSpot's brand voice was our goal. We wanted to be as loving, sympathetic, and helpful as we could.Turn a 404 Error Page Into a Delight MomentA 404 page is annoying and unwelcome. But, they are inevitable so it is a good idea for any website to have a 404 page.Your 404 page should not be a brick wall, but a speed bump. A good design can make the difference between frustrated bounces and conversions. So why not make it enjoyable?Editor's Note: This article was originally published December 2015, and has been updated to ensure that it is complete.
