A 404 error page appears when visitors can't find the requested content on your website. Here's how to create an effective custom 404 page that maintains your site's design while helping visitors find what they need.

Viewing Your Current 404 Page

To access your 404 page settings:

1. Navigate to the Pages panel
2. Scroll to System Pages at the bottom
3. Select 404 Page

The default 404 page includes:

• An error explanation
• Homepage link
• Search page link
• Standard messaging about URL errors or moved/deleted content

Creating a Custom 404 Page

Follow these steps to customize your 404 page:

1. Create a new page
2. Place it in the Not linked section
3. Set it as your 404 page through the system settings
4. Include essential elements:
   • Clear error message
   • Navigation options
   • Links to popular content
   • Search functionality

SEO Considerations

When using a custom 404 page:

• You may see a "Soft 404" alert in Google Search Console
• This occurs because search engines detect an indexable page stating content doesn't exist
• This alert doesn't negatively impact your site's search visibility

Solutions for Soft 404 Alerts

Choose one of these options:

1. Use the system default 404 page
2. Add no-index tags to your custom 404 page to prevent search engine indexing

Remember to maintain your brand voice and design while providing clear navigation options for visitors to find their way back to working pages.

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