How to Set Up a Custom 404 Page in WordPress

Broken links and incorrectly typed URLs may cause users to encounter the dreaded 404 error page. Although this frequent problem is annoying, it also offers a chance to enhance the user experience on your website.

A well-thought-out custom 404 page can boost conversions, lower bounce rates, and direct visitors back to helpful information. We’ll go over the significance of custom 404 pages in this post, along with some simple ways to create one in WordPress.

How to Set Up a 404 Page on WordPress

Since a 404 error could affect the website’s performance, customising the error page is essential. In this sense, improving user experience and retention can be achieved by knowing how to set up a 404 page in WordPress.

In WordPress, you can create a custom 404 page in several ways. WordPress hosting services make set-up and customisation easier.

Here are the options:

• Using a 404 plugin.
• Editing the existing 404 page of the theme.
• Adding a custom 404 page if the theme does not have one.
• Using Full Site Editing

Let’s take a closer look at each option:

Using a 404 plugin

An easy way to set up a custom 404 page in WordPress is to use plugins. With the help of a plugin, you can create a custom page and track 404 errors.

Here is how you can add a plugin:

• Log in to the WordPress dashboard.
• In the left-hand menu, look for the plugin and then “Add new”.
• In the search bar, type the name of the plugin you want to use.
• Click Install and then activate the plugin.
• Now, create a page that will be representative of the 404-error page.

Using Full Site Editing

Here are the steps to follow:

• Locate the page where you wish to add the 404 error page—typically the primary 404 page—by logging into your WordPress dashboard.
• Make sure your theme supports Full Site Editing (FSE), as not all themes do.
• Select the 404 error template by clicking the “Add New” button.
• After being taken to the FSE interface, you can use the provided tools to add text, photos, and other items.
• Enter the desired 404 error message in the text box that is added.
• Save the changes. Exit the FSE interface and move to the template overview.
• Navigate through the WordPress settings to handle 404 errors and select the template you created in the “Error 404” section.
• Save the changes in the settings.

Editing the existing 404 page of the theme

Many themes have a template for the 404 page, which can be customised to the website look.

Here are the steps you can follow to edit:

• Navigate to Appearance and then Theme File Editor on your WordPress dashboard.
• Locate the 404.php file and choose your theme from the dropdown menu.
• To make sure you don’t lose any work when themes are updated, it is best to copy the 404.php to your child’s theme.
• It’s time to make the text uniquely yours. To make it more interesting and educational, you can also use pictures or other components.
• Select “Update Files” to save the modifications. If the theme doesn’t have a custom 404 page, add one. And if the theme doesn’t have a custom 404 page, add one.

Adding a custom 404 page if the theme does not have one.

If the theme you use does not have the template, there are two options to add a custom 404 page: copying the 404.php file or index.php file.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Choose a theme that has the 404 page you wish to utilise first.
• Copy the.php file from the theme folder.
• Keep the name 404.php and move the copy to the theme folder of your website’s theme or child theme.
• From the site’s front end, ensure everything on the page looks as expected.
• You can follow the same steps as mentioned above to edit the file and then click on “Update File” to save the changes.

Index.php File

• Duplicate the index.php file.
• Rename it 404.php.
• Remove the code that is used to display the posts.
• Customise the text and add images and other elements as per the design.
• Lastly, click on “Update File” to save the changes.

Elements to Consider When Setting Up a Custom 404 Page in WordPress

To enhance the experience of the visitor, here are the elements you can include. Additionally, you can use web analytics services to learn more about the user and take the right steps.

• A search box to let the user search for the particular query
• A link to the homepage to orient visitors with the navigation.
• A funny message to hook the visitor.
• A clear and explanatory message for the error.
• Additional links that help the visitors navigate the query.
• The main menu provides useful links for users to visit.
• Display popular posts so visitors can restart their navigation from the posts.

Final Words

A custom 404 page can be made to mitigate the negative impact of a broken link or erroneous URL on the user experience.

You can incorporate engaging and useful elements on the page to help the user locate the page they’re looking for. This keeps the user’s attention. By following the above 404-page setup recommendations, the user experience can be easily enhanced.

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Join us now to begin easily improving the user experience on your website!