WordPress themes: 404 Page Pro FFP-PRO-01

How to use and customise the MaxiBlocks 404 page template for WordPress

A 404 page plays an essential role in improving your WordPress website’s usability and keeping users engaged, even when they end up somewhere unexpected. MaxiBlocks offers a beautifully crafted 404 page design template that not only informs visitors of a missing page but also offers an alternative route to keep them browsing your site. In this blog post, we will guide you through the structure, design, and customisation options of this 404 page template, complete with tips on making each section your own.

What is a 404 page and why is it important?

A 404 page is a landing page that visitors see when they try to reach a webpage that no longer exists or cannot be found. A well-designed 404 page can turn an otherwise negative experience into a positive one by offering helpful alternatives, such as navigation options, links to key sections of your site, or a search bar.

MaxiBlocks’ 404 page template provides an elegant, clean design that minimises user frustration and gently guides them back to the content they need, preventing them from leaving your site entirely. This can contribute to improving your bounce rate and user engagement.

To use this 404 page in full site editing, you can follow our full site editing guide. With full site editing, integrating the MaxiBlocks 404 page design template is quick, and you can modify it to align with your brand’s style.

Page design overview

The MaxiBlocks 404 page template is beautifully minimalistic yet fully functional, providing a user-friendly experience for those encountering an error. Below, we take a closer look at each section of the design, discussing its layout, visual components, and the features available for customisation.

Main message section

The first section of the 404 page contains the main message: “We can’t find the page that you’re looking for :(“. The use of a soft and friendly tone adds a human touch, making visitors feel comfortable rather than frustrated.

• Typography: The main text is bold and centred, ensuring that it is immediately noticeable. It is modern and legible, which conveys a professional yet accessible vibe.
• Background Image: The forest image in the background is softly blurred, depicting a foggy and mysterious landscape. The misty forest evokes a feeling of exploration and getting lost, which fits perfectly with the idea of a missing page. This subtle background maintains visual interest without overwhelming the text.

Customisation ideas:

1. Replace the background image with something relevant to your brand — for example, a product or a visual that aligns with your industry.
2. Adjust the main text to reflect your tone, whether it’s more formal, humorous, or even apologetic.

Large 404 number

Beneath the message, a large “404” text is prominently displayed. It acts as the focal point and reinforces the concept of a missing page visually.

• Typography: The bold, oversized “404” acts as a graphic element, creating a strong visual anchor. It draws attention immediately and clarifies the page’s purpose.

Design Tips:

1. Experiment with the colour or style of the “404” to better match your brand colours.
2. You could even add a subtle animation to the number, such as a fade-in effect, to make it stand out.
3. Adding an animated number counter can provide a modern touch to this key visual.

Search bar section

At the bottom, there’s a search bar with the text “What are you looking for?”. This encourages visitors to continue browsing your site rather than leaving in frustration.

• Design and Layout: The search bar is spacious and includes a magnifying glass icon, indicating its functionality. The design is simple and effective, with a clear prompt for user interaction.

Customisation ideas:

1. Change the placeholder text to match your tone, such as “Let’s help you find something interesting!” or “Search our site here”.
2. You could also enhance the visual appeal by adjusting the button’s colour to stand out more, or adding an icon from the WordPress icon library for a unique look.

Section-by-section customisation tips

Here are 10 customisation ideas for each section of the MaxiBlocks 404 page template, helping you make the layout your own:

Main message section

1. Change the background image to something relevant to your brand, such as a product photo.
2. Add a subtle gradient overlay to match your website’s colour palette.
3. Replace the text with a friendly phrase that fits your brand’s personality.
4. Include a small logo pattern in the corner for brand recognition.
5. Experiment with different fonts to find the one that best suits your brand’s voice.
6. Incorporate a small animation for the text, such as a gentle fade-in effect.
7. Add a call to action example below the text — like a link to your most popular content.
8. Use block pattern text to add helpful information or a link back to the homepage.
9. Change the background to a simple pattern instead of an image.
10. Add a content pattern that highlights your latest blog posts.

Large 404 number

1. Change the colour of the “404” to better align with your brand colours.
2. Add a shadow effect to make the number pop against the background.
3. Animate the number to create a slight bounce effect when the page loads.
4. Adjust the size of the “404” to either make it more or less prominent.
5. Replace the “404” with another graphic or icon representing an error.
6. Add a glowing border to the number to make it visually striking.
7. Experiment with a WooCommerce product image in the background for an e-commerce website.
8. Rotate the “404” slightly for a quirky, modern design.
9. Add a WordPress accordion underneath to provide helpful links or FAQs.
10. Use block patterns blog hero elements for a visually creative twist.

Search bar section

1. Change the placeholder text to something more on-brand, like “Find what you’re looking for”.
2. Alter the button’s shape to make it round or square, depending on your website’s style.
3. Replace the magnifying glass icon with another WordPress icon for a unique look.
4. Customise the background colour of the search bar to match your brand.
5. Add a border around the search bar for better definition.
6. Include a small animation when the user clicks on the search bar.
7. Link the search bar to different parts of your WordPress navigation menus.
8. Add a WooCommerce product suggestion to help visitors find products they might like.
9. Place a testimonial design underneath the search bar for added social proof.
10. Add an email subscribe button next to the search bar for growing your subscriber list.

Different types of websites that can use a 404 page

The MaxiBlocks 404 page template is versatile and can be adapted to different types of websites. Here are some examples:

• Health websites: Add links to popular health articles or provide an easy way to book an appointment.
• Diet homepage template: Include recipe suggestions or links to meal plans to keep visitors engaged.
• Agency homepage template: Direct users to your portfolio or recent case studies.
• Non-profit homepage template: Include a call to action that encourages visitors to learn more about your mission or donate.
• Travel homepage template: Provide suggestions for popular travel packages or link to blog posts about destinations.
• Home services homepage template: Link to booking services directly from the 404 page.
• Consulting homepage template: Offer links to recent articles or provide an option to schedule a consultation.
• Law firm homepage template: Add links to legal services or helpful resources related to common questions.
• Food and restaurant homepage template: Show off your menu items or allow users to book a table directly.
• Photography homepage template: Include links to recent galleries or portfolio items.

For more ideas on specific templates, you can explore our homepage design templates, or check out our agency homepage template for examples.

Final thoughts

A well-crafted 404 page like the one from MaxiBlocks can make all the difference in user experience, turning a potential dead end into an opportunity for visitors to continue exploring your site. By customising the main message, the large “404” number, and the search bar, you can craft an error page that not only feels unique to your brand but also guides users in a helpful, friendly manner.

If you’re interested in more about WordPress website design, feel free to explore our WordPress websites or learn about Elementor alternatives. For more guidance on using the MaxiBlocks templates, check out our WordPress website builder resources.