This is a user generated content for MyStory, a YourStory initiative to enable its community to contribute and have their voices heard. The views and writings here reflect that of the author and not of YourStory.
This is a user generated content for MyStory, a YourStory initiative to enable its community to contribute and have their voices heard. The views and writings here reflect that of the author and not of YourStory.
The way you get your site developed by one of the best web development company makes sense when your site is appropriately designed, developed and implemented from all angles. Improving user experience and generating leads is the ultimate goal and for this, several features vitally contribute and the purpose of this article is to draw focus on 404 Error Page, which is sometimes left out of sight by most developers by considering it least acknowledged one.
It is highlighted when despite of efforts made by one of the best SEO company, you cannot get desired results. Having broken links on site or missing pages reflects carelessness on your end which disappoints users most. Well, to get rid of this, your site must have its unique way of representing the temporary unavailability or halt cause. If your development firm does not design an error page according to your site, the error is still going to be shown but if you have got your own way, it will not make an instant negative impression.
404 Errors
When the page is not found by server or if it has been removed from your site or any case of broken URL, this error is returned. For letting users know why they are facing inconvenience, a simple yet creative way must be adopted. It informs users what troubleshooting they need or when they can reach you again. The page must be created from user’s perspectives for related user actions. Here are some tips for creating them in better way:
1. Never Consider Default
Servers can easily fetch and return these error pages but the worst part on your end is if that returned page is default, unorganized, insensitive, non-specific or unattractive. It is always possible to design personalized error page according to template with an error message displayed in simple yet attractive manner.
Consistency is the core feature which must be followed throughout the website, be it any page. The alignment, color combination, graphic usage etc must be according to template. If this is maintained so, users will feel like nothing has changed but a minor inconvenience which will be resolved soon. Also, redirection can be set as default.
2. Natural UX Flow
It is to be noted that error pages are temporary redirections and not permanent ones. Users must be anyhow convinced by Web Development Company that you will be available soon and given a temporary redirection by notifying them why they are taken over there.
The aim must be clearly stated through the error page as your main motto is to notify them. The webpage must not be too intricate and not at all confusing. It must convey your purpose why the page has gone missing.
3. Simplified Language
Instead of complicating things, 404 Error Page should be written in a way easy to understand so that users don’t need to waste their time resolving what you actually want to say.
Also, users will not understand much of error codes and hence instead of displaying coded errors to them, they must be displayed causes in language they will understand as not everyone is a technical person and you are apologizing to visitors and not twisting them.
Adding a simple sense of humor makes the page unexpectedly interesting. Why don’t you give it a try?