How to Create a Custom 404 Page in WordPress

Creating a custom 404 page in WordPress is a great way to enhance user experience when visitors land on a page that doesn’t exist or is broken. Instead of displaying a generic error page, a custom 404 page allows you to add your branding, guide users back to useful content, and keep them engaged with your site.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a custom 404 page in WordPress.

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What is a 404 Page?

A 404 error page is displayed when someone tries to access a URL on your website that does not exist. This could be due to a broken link, an incorrect URL, or the page being deleted or moved. By default, WordPress will show a simple, generic 404 error message like “Page not found,” but you can customize this to create a more helpful and engaging page.

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Why Should You Create a Custom 404 Page?

Creating a custom 404 page offers several benefits for your site:

1. Improve User Experience: A well-designed 404 page helps visitors find their way back to relevant content, improving their overall experience on your site.
2. Increase Engagement: A custom 404 page can feature links to your most popular content or categories, encouraging visitors to continue browsing your site.
3. Branding: Customizing your 404 page gives you an opportunity to showcase your site’s branding and style, making it feel more cohesive.
4. SEO Benefits: A helpful 404 page may reduce bounce rates, which could positively influence your SEO.

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How to Create a Custom 404 Page in WordPress

There are several ways to create a custom 404 page, from using a plugin to editing your theme’s files directly. Below are three common methods.

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Method 1: Using a Plugin (Best for Beginners)

Using a plugin is the easiest and fastest way to create a custom 404 page without needing to touch code.

Popular Plugins for Creating Custom 404 Pages:

1. 404page – Custom 404 Error Page:
   • This is a free plugin that allows you to create a custom 404 page using the WordPress editor. It doesn’t require any coding and provides a simple way to design your error page.
2. Elementor (with Elementor Pro):
   • If you’re using Elementor page builder, you can easily create a custom 404 page using its drag-and-drop editor. Elementor Pro gives you complete control over the design and layout of your error page.

Steps to Create a Custom 404 Page Using a Plugin:

1. Install and Activate the Plugin:
   • From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
   • Search for a plugin like 404page – Custom 404 Error Page or Elementor.
   • Install and activate the plugin.
2. Create a Custom 404 Page:
   • Once activated, go to the plugin settings (you’ll usually find it in the Settings menu or under the Appearance section).
   • Use the built-in editor to design your custom 404 page. You can add text, images, links to popular content, and even a search bar to help users find what they’re looking for.
3. Publish Your Custom 404 Page:
   • Once you’re satisfied with the design, save or publish the page.
   • The plugin should automatically set your custom page as the default 404 error page.

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Method 2: Editing the Theme’s 404.php File (For Intermediate Users)

If you want more control over the design and functionality of your custom 404 page, you can directly edit your theme’s 404.php file. This method requires some knowledge of HTML, CSS, and PHP.

Steps to Edit the 404.php File:

1. Access Theme Files:
   • From the WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Theme Editor.
   • Look for the 404.php file in your theme’s file structure on the right side.
2. Edit the 404.php File:
   • Once you open the 404.php file, you can modify the layout and content of your error page. For example, you can add a search form, navigation links, or a message directing users back to the homepage.
   Here’s a basic example of custom code for your 404.php file:
   <?php get_header(); ?>
<div class="error-404">
<h1>Oops! That page can’t be found.</h1>
<p>It looks like nothing was found at this location. Maybe try one of the links below or a search?
</p>
<!-- Search Form -->
<?php get_search_form(); ?>
<!-- Popular Pages or Categories --> <ul>
<li><a href="<?php echo home_url(); ?>">Go to Homepage</a></li> <li><a href="<?php echo home_url('/about'); ?>">About Us</a></li> <li><a href="<?php echo home_url('/blog');>">Blog</a></li> </ul> </div> <?php get_footer();
?>
   • This code includes a basic header, a message that tells users they’ve landed on a 404 page, a search form, and some popular links.
3. Style Your 404 Page:
   • After editing the 404 page, you may want to add custom styles. You can do this by adding custom CSS in the Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS section or by editing the theme’s style.css file.
4. Save Changes:
   • After you’ve made your changes, save the 404.php file.
   • Your custom 404 page should now be active on your website.

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Method 3: Using a Page Builder (For Beginners to Advanced Users)

If you’re using a page builder plugin like Elementor, you can create a custom 404 page with a drag-and-drop interface, which is ideal for users who don’t want to code.

Steps to Create a Custom 404 Page Using Elementor:

1. Install Elementor (Pro):
   • Install and activate Elementor and Elementor Pro on your WordPress site.
2. Create a New Template:
   • Go to Elementor > Templates > Add New.
   • Select 404 Page from the template options.
3. Design Your Custom 404 Page:
   • Use the Elementor editor to add widgets, images, text, and a search bar. You can even add a custom message or links to help users find what they’re looking for.
4. Publish Your Template:
   • Once you’re happy with your design, publish the 404 template.
   • Elementor will automatically make this template your default 404 page.

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Best Practices for a Custom 404 Page

1. Provide a Helpful Message:
   • Let visitors know they’ve reached a broken or non-existent page. A simple message like, “Oops! The page you’re looking for doesn’t exist” works well.
2. Include Navigation Options:
   • Offer links to key sections of your site, such as the homepage, blog, or popular categories. This encourages visitors to explore your content rather than leaving.
3. Add a Search Bar:
   • A search bar helps users find the content they were looking for without leaving your site.
4. Maintain Branding:
   • Make sure the custom 404 page matches the look and feel of your website, so it feels cohesive and on-brand.
5. Use Humor or Creativity:
   • A touch of humor or a creative design can make your 404 page more engaging and memorable for visitors.

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Conclusion

Creating a custom 404 page in WordPress is a simple and effective way to enhance the user experience on your website. Whether you use a plugin, customize your theme’s 404.php file, or use a page builder like Elementor, you can easily create a page that guides visitors back to your valuable content.

By following the steps above, you’ll not only prevent users from encountering a frustrating error page but also give them an opportunity to discover more of what your site has to offer.