What is 404 error page?

The “404 error” is a common error message that is displayed when a user attempts to access a webpage that doesn’t exist on a website. The “404” code is part of the HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) response status codes, which are used to indicate the result of an HTTP request.

The 404 error message is typically displayed when the server is unable to find the requested resource, either because it has been deleted, moved, or the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that the user entered is incorrect. In this case, the server returns a 404 response code to the browser, indicating that the requested resource could not be found.

Having a custom 404 error page can be useful for a number of reasons:

1. User Experience: A custom 404 error page provides a more helpful and user-friendly experience for users who have encountered an error. It can provide them with options to find what they were looking for, such as a search bar or a list of popular pages on the website.

2. Branding: A custom 404 error page is an opportunity to reinforce your brand and provide a consistent experience for users, even when they encounter an error.

3. Search Engine Optimization: Search engines use the 404 response code to determine if a page no longer exists, which can negatively impact the website’s search engine rankings. A custom 404 error page can help prevent search engines from indexing broken links and improve the website’s overall SEO.

4. Analytics: A custom 404 error page can be used to track the number of 404 errors that occur on a website, which can provide valuable insights into user behavior and help identify areas for improvement.

In conclusion, having a custom 404 error page is a best practice for website design and can improve the user experience, reinforce branding, improve search engine optimization, and provide valuable insights into user behavior.