Among the most common errors that can occur on your WordPress web page is the error 404 error, which occurs when the connection to a server is not successful, throwing the page as not found.
When creating a web page using the content management system, WordPress, the 404 error should also have its page designated for when the public tries to access it without success. Willing to facilitate its creation, in Learn How to do it today we bring this guide for you to learn how to do it step by step.
How do I customize the 404 error page for WordPress?
You can use a plugin to customize your 404 error page in WordPress, however, this is not the only option, so it is not extremely necessary to install one. WordPress has a functionality to add a 404 error page, and although this has a default design by default, you can customize it to look as you see fit.
The first thing you need to do is add the file called 404.php along with the others you have created for your site. You should also create a child theme to save any modifications you make to the 404.php file. Once you have done this, following all the steps, the page you design will automatically appear when the 404 error occurs.
Why change the default error page in WordPress?
When an error occurs while browsing the web, it is usually frustrating for absolutely every user, especially because it feels like a waste of time that comes to test your patience.
Although it is impossible for the design of your 404 error page to reduce the annoyance it generates for users, the look you give it can be visually more pleasing.
The default 404 error page is a bit monotonous, but if you make the modifications you deem appropriate, you can achieve a less negative reaction from users.
In addition, customizing the 404 error page will allow you to make it more in line with the overall design and content of your website.
What can I put on the error page?
WordPress gives you a couple of options to add to the design of your website’s 404 error page that can make the server connection problem that bothers users a little less unpleasant. Below, we’ll tell you what they are and tell you a little more about them.
User-friendly text
You can add a user-friendly text, mentioning an apology for the interruption that the 404 error has caused to the user’s navigation. Although many do not give it importance or do not take it into account, for others it is nice to receive this type of message.
In addition, it would be very useful to mention some suggestions to try to solve the problem and continue exploring your site without further inconveniences and to avoid other annoyances.
A button to return to the home page
A button that allows the user to return to the home page is also a great idea to include to your 404 error page in WordPress.
Exiting the error page and returning to the main page to continue browsing with the simplicity of a click could reduce some of the annoyance caused by an interrupted or failed connection.
Where can I edit the WordPress error 404?
In WordPress, the creation of each page requires certain codes that allow you to define the entire design of your website. Most of these codes are already written when you enter the option to add a page and are specific to the template that WordPress includes by default.
Of course, when editing the error page, you will have to modify the code to remove or include whatever you want in the page design, such as widgets for search, buttons with links to return to the main site, among other options that allow you to display the 404 error as you see fit.
This can be done from the .404 file that you store along with the other files of your theme and the procedure would be like the one designated to modify your contact form, varying, clearly, in the names of the design options for the WordPress 404 error.