WordPress themes: 404 Page Pro FFP-PRO-02

How to customise your MaxiBlocks WordPress 404 page template

A 404 page is more than just an error message; it’s an opportunity to turn a negative experience into a positive one. With the WordPress 404 page template made by MaxiBlocks, you have the flexibility to create a visually appealing and user-friendly page that encourages visitors to stay engaged with your website. In this guide, we’ll break down the different sections of this template, explain the design elements, and offer tips on how to make it your own.

What is a 404 page and why it is important?

A 404 page is what a user sees when they try to visit a page that doesn’t exist on your website. It usually happens when a link is broken or a URL is mistyped. Instead of showing a generic error message, a well-designed 404 page can guide users back to where they need to go, provide helpful information, and keep them from leaving your website. The WordPress full site editing feature allows you to customise your 404 page so that it fits your brand and maintains the look and feel of your website. You can learn more about full site editing in WordPress on our Full Site Editing (FSE) page.

Design and content breakdown

The MaxiBlocks 404 page template is designed with simplicity and user engagement in mind. Let’s take a closer look at each section of the template:

Hero image section

The left side of the page features a large image of a motorcyclist sitting on a motorcycle. The rider is facing away, wearing a black helmet and a blue checkered shirt with the “Harley-Davidson” logo. The image conveys a sense of adventure and exploration, aligning well with the playful 404 message. This part of the design is enclosed in a white diamond-shaped overlay that adds a creative and modern touch to the overall layout. The image suggests that getting lost can sometimes lead to unexpected beauty, which aligns with the subtext.

• 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.