Keep your visitors happy and also Google, a 404 page is displayed when a page has been removed or changed within a website structure. 404 pages are often seen from the visitors perspective as the product or service no longer available, this is often not the case. Some websites redirect the 404 page to the homepage as they feel that this way they won’t lose out on business. Unfortunately this is the wrong method a 404 page has a reason for why it needs to be used.
404 Pages are required as they send a 404 header response to the search engine telling them that the content is no longer available, this is important for any website. Previously I mentioned some website use a redirect of the 404 page to the homepage the results of this could be detrimental. What will happen is Google will be filled with links that automatically link to your homepage. If Google then take a cache of this page after possibly receiving your 404 header status, your own website could be telling Google to remove itself.
So from this make the most of your 404 page and enhance it!
- Make sure your 404 page has the same look and feel (including navigation) as the rest of your site.
- Consider adding graphics of your latest promotions or content, as well as a link to your site’s home page. This will help your customer to browse your website rather then leave.
- Add a search box so users can find what they are looking for.
From a personal point of view 404 pages will play an important role in terms of SEO and website usability. Google is already working on free tools to help you enhance your 404 page.
Wow! what an idea ! What a concept ! Beautiful .. Amazing …