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How to Set Up a Custom 404 Error Page on Blogger

How to set up a custom 404 Error page on Blogger

What is a 404?

The dreaded '404 Not Found' message appears when a server can't find the web address you requested. This might be the result of a broken or dead link, or human error when typing in the address. Either way, it leads to equal amounts of frustration!

What does my 404 page look like?

To check just add /404 to the end of your blog's web address. If you're using Blogger's default settings, your 404 page will look something like this:

Default Blogger 404 Error Page

What's wrong with it?

Well, nothing per se. It's just a bit boring, and doesn't do much to keep the disgruntled visitor on your blog. Some people set up an automatic 301 redirect from 404 errors to their home page, but this is bad for your SEO, and confusing for people who clicked a link expecting something specific. The best way forward is to create a custom 404 page.

How do I fix it?

Blogger makes things nice and simple for you. On your Dashboard, click 'Settings' then 'Search Preferences'. You'll now see a section headed 'Custom Page Not Found'. Click 'Edit' and, ta-dah, you get a nice empty box waiting to receive your custom HTML.

If you don't feel confident typing it straight in, just get it all ready in a draft post then copy and paste. I decided to keep things simple - I made a cutesy 'page not found' image with canva.com and added a search bar:

Babi a Fi 404 error page

The great thing is that you can make yours as simple or as complex as you like. You can use your 404 page to help find a missing child, showcase your favourite blog posts, or engage people with a web game. For inspiration, check out creativemarket.com's list of the coolest 404 pages on the net.









For more like this, please click the image below:
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Comments

  1. Dressed With Soul5 January 2016 at 21:25

    Thanks this is very helpful - I didn't know this before!
    Many thanks for kind comment on my blog. Do you want to follow each other?
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    International Time-Related Giveaway: Bad News and More
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jessica Powell5 January 2016 at 21:32

      I only learned it recently! Sure, that would be great :) xx

      Delete
  2. MaBelleVie8 January 2016 at 19:17

    Thats such a fab thing to do, I never thought about it before! #pocolo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jessica Powell8 January 2016 at 22:40

      I've been meaning to do it for ages, but only just got round to it. :)

      Delete
  3. Kim Carberry8 January 2016 at 21:45

    I didn't know you could do this...So simple too. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jessica Powell8 January 2016 at 22:43

      It really is, I thought it would be a nightmare to change at first.

      Delete
  4. Nell@PigeonPairandMe.com9 January 2016 at 15:49

    This is so helpful. Do you know, it had never even occurred to me to customise my error page. But it's such a good idea. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Stephanie 139a9 January 2016 at 21:59

    I love the image you've created and I like it when I come across a custom 404 page, I think it says to the readers that everyone's human. And if I come across a personalised 404 page, I'm more likely to read the blog again - thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jessica Powell10 January 2016 at 01:29

      Thank you :) I wanted something to fit in with all the pastels I have going on at the moment! I love how creative some 404 pages are, they really make me smile. x

      Delete
  6. Sandy Sandmeyer15 January 2016 at 20:39

    Thank you so much for sharing this at the Over the Moon Link Party! This is such a great piece.

    ReplyDelete

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