How to customise a WordPress 404 page template made by MaxiBlocks

A well-designed 404 page can turn an error into an opportunity. With MaxiBlocks’ 404 page template, you can keep your users engaged, even when they end up in the wrong place. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the design, layout, and how to make the template your own, including a breakdown of each section.

What is a 404 page, and why is it important?

A 404 page is what a visitor sees when the page they’re trying to reach cannot be found. This can happen for various reasons—maybe the URL was mistyped, or the link they followed is outdated. Instead of letting users hit a dead end, a thoughtful 404 page ensures they can easily navigate back to relevant content, keeping them on your site longer.

Using a 404 page in full site editing with a WordPress Full Site Editing theme allows you to build a consistent experience. You can customise the design to match the rest of your website, which maintains your brand’s visual identity, even when users stumble upon a broken link.

The design and layout of the MaxiBlocks 404 page template

The MaxiBlocks 404 page design template is structured to provide a mix of humour, helpful information, and visual appeal. Let’s break down each section in detail.

Headline section

The headline is the most prominent feature of the 404 page. The large “404” text, paired with a witty phrase—”Your page ain’t here, kid”—immediately conveys the message in a lighthearted tone. The font size is bold, ensuring it grabs the visitor’s attention, while the casual language helps ease frustration.

Customisation ideas for the headline section

1. Change the headline phrase to reflect your brand tone, e.g., “Oops, looks like this page is missing!” for a more formal brand.
2. Add a touch of humour—consider including puns or jokes related to your website’s niche.
3. Use your own brand fonts to keep consistent styling throughout your website.
4. Adjust the size and positioning of the text to make the page unique.
5. Include an animated number counter to highlight interesting statistics about your site while visitors decide where to navigate next.
6. Highlight certain words by changing the colour—for instance, make “awkward” pop with a bold accent colour.
7. Add a background pattern behind the headline using block pattern text to make the page more visually interesting.
8. Include an icon next to the headline—consider using one from the WordPress icon library.
9. Change the headline text to include a call to action like “Let’s get you back on track!”
10. Include WooCommerce product links as part of the message for product-focused websites.

Image section

On the right-hand side, the template features a striking image of an elderly man holding up his hands in an expressive gesture. He seems to be questioning, perhaps even a little exasperated—perfectly mirroring a user’s frustration when they land on an error page. The use of a real person here adds a relatable, human touch.

Customisation ideas for the image section

1. Replace the elderly man with an image that suits your audience, such as a surprised pet for a pet-focused website.
2. Use your brand mascot for consistency across your site.
3. Add a filter or overlay to match your brand’s colour scheme.
4. Swap the static image with a GIF or short video loop to add movement.
5. Use a split image layout to include multiple related images.
6. Highlight website team members instead to introduce key people in your organisation.
7. Add an animated number counter next to the image to add a playful element.
8. Integrate block patterns blog hero to include imagery related to recent blog posts.
9. Include images of products for eCommerce or WooCommerce websites.
10. Use stock imagery that reflects your target audience’s persona.

Contact and call-to-action section

Below the headline, you’ll find a simple call-to-action: “Start a conversation”. This section contains placeholder contact information—an email and a phone number—along with a “Return to home” button. It encourages users to reach out if they need help or to simply head back to the main site.

Customisation ideas for the contact and call-to-action section

1. Update the call-to-action to suit your needs, e.g., “Check out our homepage instead!”
2. Replace the contact information with your support email and phone number.
3. Link the “Return to home” button to a specific landing page for higher conversions.
4. Use a WordPress contact form for a more interactive experience.
5. Add icons to the call-to-action using WordPress icons.
6. Incorporate an email subscribe option below the contact information.
7. Include testimonials to create credibility, even on a 404 page.
8. Add a secondary call-to-action for promotions, like “Check out our latest offers!”
9. Change the button design by using block templates for a modern style.
10. Customise the button hover effect for better interactivity.

Social media icons section

At the bottom, there are three social media icons—LinkedIn, Facebook, and Skype. These icons make it easy for visitors to connect with you beyond your website. The icons are minimalist and blend seamlessly into the page’s overall design.

Customisation ideas for the social media icons section

1. Add more social icons like Instagram or Twitter, depending on your brand’s social presence.
2. Customise the icon colour to match your brand palette.
3. Replace the standard icons with more creative, branded icons.
4. Use WordPress block templates to add hover animations.
5. Include a quick subscribe button for newsletters next to the social icons.
6. Link icons directly to specific campaigns or promotions on your social channels.
7. Adjust the size and spacing for visual balance.
8. Add a tooltip on hover to give more context, e.g., “Follow us on Facebook!”
9. Create custom icons that match the theme of your site.
10. Place social proof stats below the icons, such as “Join our 10k followers on Instagram!”

Why different types of websites need a 404 page

A thoughtfully crafted 404 page is important for every kind of website. Here are a few examples:

• Health websites: Use the hotline to link users to a health advisor or a medical consultation.
• Diet homepage template: Add a “Get back on track with our diet plans” button.
• Agency homepage template: Include a link to “View our work” to draw users in.
• Business homepage template: Add contact information for quick help.
• Non-profit homepage template: Direct users to the “How you can help” section.
• Travel homepage template: Feature a scenic background image with a call to action to “Explore our travel packages.”
• Home services homepage template: Include an option for users to “Book a service” if they’ve gone off-track.
• Photography homepage template: Showcase a few stunning images to encourage users to view your portfolio.
• Consulting homepage template: Link users to testimonials or case studies.
• Law firm homepage template: Include a call to action for a free consultation.
• Food and restaurant homepage template: Provide links to menus or a WooCommerce shop for ordering.

Explore more homepage design templates to understand which styles might be suitable for your site.

Final thoughts

A 404 page doesn’t have to be a dead end. Using MaxiBlocks and WordPress full site editing capabilities, you can create a 404 page that reflects your brand, engages your users, and keeps them from leaving your site. By customising each section—from the headline and main message to the call to action button—you can turn this error page into an asset.

If you’re looking for inspiration or further templates, MaxiBlocks provides a range of WordPress websites and design resources for all sorts of needs, from WordPress website design to Elementor alternatives.

With these tips and the power of full site editing, you can turn a potentially frustrating “dead end” into a welcoming pathway back to your site’s most valuable content. Explore our Maxi Blocks pattern templates for more customisation options and inspiration.