What is a 404 page?
A 404 page, also known as a "Page Not Found" error page, is displayed when a user attempts to access a web page that doesn't exist or cannot be found on a website. It is a standard response code that indicates the requested page is unavailable.
Why should your streaming website have a custom 404 page?
When it comes to your streaming service, a well-designed 404 page can make a big difference in enhancing the user experience. Instead of presenting viewers with a generic error message or a blank page, a 404 page offers a more user-friendly approach.
User Experience:
First and foremost, it helps improve user experience by providing a clear and informative message when viewers stumble upon a broken link or try to access a non-existent page. It lets them know that the content they're looking for isn't available, saving them from frustration.
Craft a concise and friendly message that informs viewers about the unavailability of the requested page. Keep the language simple and provide suggestions or links to help them find what they're looking for.
Retention and Engagement:
A well-crafted 404 page also contributes to viewer retention and engagement. By offering helpful navigation links, suggesting alternative content, or providing search functionality, you can redirect users to other relevant pages within your streaming service. This encourages them to explore different sections and prevents them from leaving your site, resulting in improved engagement.
Include a prominent search bar or navigation links to help viewers explore other parts of your streaming service. Make it easy for them to get back on track and discover relevant content.
Branding and Personality:
Your 404 page is an opportunity to showcase your streaming service's branding and inject some personality into the error experience. You can use creative visuals, engaging copy, and on-brand elements to make the 404 page feel like a seamless part of your website. This reinforces your brand image and tone, making it a memorable and cohesive user experience.
For instance, If you are a movie streaming service, your 404 text can be
Uh-oh! Looks like the page took a🍿popcorn break
If you are a kids streaming service your 404 message could be
Whoopsie-daisy! It seems our mischievous friend is playing 🙈hide and seek
If you are a sports streaming service, your 404 message could be something like
Oh snap! The page got caught 🥅 in the thrill of the game. Don't worry, we're working on a replay.
If you are a Yoga/fitness streaming service, try something like
Patience is a virtue! The page you're looking for is meditating 🧘 in the sacred digital realm.
If you are a music streaming service, your audience would appreciate something like
Hold on to your 🎧 headphones! Our musical notes got a bit too carried away. They will be back on track soon!
Search Engine Optimization (SEO):
Search engines crawl websites to index their content, and encountering 404 errors can negatively impact your SEO. By customizing your 404 page and providing proper navigation and internal linking, you can help search engines understand your site structure, improve crawling efficiency, and maintain your search rankings.
Implement analytics tracking on your 404 page to monitor its performance and understand user behavior. This data can help you identify patterns, popular search queries, or recurring broken links that require attention.
How to customize your 404 page?
So, you now know the significance of having a well-crafted 404 page for your streaming service. It's time to add this essential page to your website and ensure an exceptional user experience.
Follow these simple steps to create a 404 page
From the Endpoints section of the left menu, select Responsive Website and the Website
Head to the Pages tab
You will see a Default 404 page
On this page, add a message widget.
Type in a section title, and then your custom 404 image.
💡 Add an image along with your message to make it more presentable
Hit the Save button
Now open a page in your website and remove a character or misspell a part of it - to see your custom 404 page.
