How to customise the MaxiBlocks 404 page design template

A well-designed 404 page can make all the difference between a frustrated visitor and one who decides to stay on your website. The MaxiBlocks 404 page design template is both functional and visually engaging, with key features that can be easily tailored to fit your branding needs. Let’s explore each part of the design, go over how to customise it, and discuss why a good 404 page is vital to your website’s overall experience.

What is a 404 page and why is it important?

A 404 page appears when a visitor tries to access a page that doesn’t exist on your website. This could be due to a mistyped URL, a broken link, or a moved page. Instead of letting your visitor land on a dead end, a well-crafted 404 page can guide them to other parts of your site. It’s a small but crucial touchpoint that can influence how people perceive your brand.

With MaxiBlocks and WordPress full site editing, it’s easier than ever to create a consistent look across your entire website, including your 404 page. You can learn more about full site editing and how it works here: Full Site Editing (FSE).

Content overview: the MaxiBlocks 404 page design

Main heading and subheading

The MaxiBlocks 404 page features a prominent 404 error message in large, bold text. This ensures visitors instantly recognise that the page they’re looking for isn’t available. Below this is a subheading that reads, “Oops, this page could not be found!” — which adds a friendly, human touch to a potentially frustrating situation.

The supporting text beneath the subheading reads, “The page you are looking for might have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable.” This gives context, helping your visitors understand why they ended up here.

Customisation ideas:

1. Adjust the main heading text to reflect your brand’s tone—try something playful like “Whoops! Lost your way?” or “Uh-oh, can’t find that page!”
2. Replace the subheading with something more tailored to your audience. For example, a travel website could use “It seems you’ve ventured off the map.”
3. Add an animated number counter element to highlight interesting statistics about your site while visitors decide where to navigate next.
4. Include a call to action suggesting popular areas to explore, such as “Check out our latest blog posts” or “Visit our homepage.”
5. Add a content pattern with clickable options, such as category buttons or product links.
6. Integrate a small email subscribe form to capture potential leads.
7. Modify the font style to align with your website’s theme.
8. Use different text colours to make the messages more visually appealing.
9. Add a WooCommerce product grid if applicable, showcasing popular products to keep users engaged.
10. Use block pattern text styles for more variation and visual interest.

Background image and hand illustration

The background features an image of a sprawling yellow field, which lends a calm, open feel to the page. Emerging from the field is a hand reaching upwards, which adds a playful element, giving the page a sense of humour that helps to lighten a frustrating experience.

Customisation ideas:

1. Change the background image to reflect your website’s theme, such as a cityscape for a business website or a beach scene for a travel website.
2. Replace the hand illustration with another icon or photo that better aligns with your niche—for instance, a magnifying glass or a character that represents your brand.
3. Use animated images to draw attention and keep the page lively.
4. Add subtle parallax scrolling to create a dynamic feel as users scroll.
5. Replace the field with website images that relate directly to your services.
6. Incorporate an image showcasing your website team to give it a personal touch.
7. Use the WordPress icon library to add simple visual elements.
8. Adjust the image filter to match your brand colours.
9. Incorporate an SVG animation of a hand waving or pointing.
10. Use a slider logo pattern instead of a static image to feature brand partners or clients.

Search bar and magnifying glass icon

Below the main text, there is a search bar that encourages users to keep looking for what they need. The search bar has a magnifying glass icon, a well-recognised symbol for search.

Customisation ideas:

1. Update the placeholder text to say something more specific, like “Find what you’re looking for.”
2. Add a search suggestion list to help guide users towards popular pages or categories.
3. Customise the magnifying glass icon to match your brand colours.
4. Include a call to action alongside the search, like “Or check out our FAQs.”
5. Add an animation to the search icon when it’s hovered over.
6. Replace the search bar style to a more rounded or rectangular design depending on your brand.
7. Use a WordPress accordion to provide additional navigation options below the search bar.
8. Link to popular pages, such as your home services homepage template, or consulting homepage template.
9. Add voice search capabilities for a more modern touch.
10. Create a custom button next to the search bar with a specific call to action, like “Take me home.”

The importance of a 404 page for different website types

No matter what kind of site you have, a 404 page is important. It keeps users engaged even if they land on a broken link. Here’s how different types of websites can make use of a WordPress 404 page effectively:

• Health websites: Offer links to top articles about health tips or popular sections like diet homepage templates.
• Agency homepage templates: Feature a list of services, like business homepage templates or portfolio highlights.
• Non-profit homepage templates: Showcase the latest success stories or events, guiding visitors to content like NGO homepage templates.
• Travel homepage templates: Provide a link to popular travel guides or packages, such as travel homepage templates.
• Consulting homepage templates: Include options for visitors to schedule a consultation, using links to a consulting homepage template.
• Food and restaurant homepage templates: Highlight featured dishes, recipe pages, or restaurant homepage templates.

To learn more about designing a WordPress website with fully functional error pages, check out our resources on WordPress website design and WordPress website builders.

Final thoughts

A well-designed 404 page can keep your visitors engaged, even when something goes wrong. The MaxiBlocks 404 page design template is versatile and easy to customise with elements like animated images, custom call to actions, and engaging icons. Whether you’re running a health website, an event page, or a consulting service, your 404 page is an opportunity to redirect users and keep them on your site longer.

If you’re looking for more resources on creating effective WordPress websites, you can visit these links:

• WordPress websites
• WordPress website designer
• Elementor alternatives
• WordPress website builders