Tag: 404 page with search bar

404 page with a search bar and 404 error redirect page

404 error pages are an inevitable part of running a website, but they don’t have to be a dead-end for your visitors. Instead, with a well-designed 404 error page with a search bar or 404 error redirect page, you can guide users back to your content, keeping them engaged and reducing bounce rates. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to create these pages, why they are important, when to use them, and best practices for ensuring your 404 page enhances user experience. We’ll also share how MaxiBlocks can help you create these pages quickly using premade templates.

What is a 404 page with a search bar?

A 404 page with a search bar is a customized error page that appears when users land on a non-existent page on your website. Instead of leaving them stuck with a generic error message, a 404 page with a search bar lets users immediately search for relevant content or similar pages. This allows users to continue exploring your site and reduces frustration.

What is a 404 error redirect page?

A 404 error redirect page automatically redirects users who encounter a broken or missing page to another relevant page on your site. For example, a redirect can send users to your homepage, a popular blog post, or a related category. Redirects help ensure users don’t bounce away from your site after encountering an error, improving both user experience and SEO.

Why do we need a 404 page with a search bar and a 404 error redirect page?

Having a 404 page with a search bar or 404 error redirect page is essential for several reasons:

• Improved user experience: Instead of leaving users on a dead-end page, a search bar or redirect page keeps them engaged with your content.
• Reduced bounce rate: A 404 page with useful tools (search bar or redirects) encourages users to stay on your site and explore more, lowering bounce rates.
• Better SEO: Properly set up redirects help you preserve link equity, and a custom error page can avoid lost traffic due to broken links.
• Brand credibility: A professional, well-designed error page helps users trust that your site is functioning properly, which boosts your brand’s image.

How to make a 404 page with a search bar?

Creating a 404 page with a search bar is relatively simple, especially if you use WordPress. Here’s how you can create it:

1. Customize your WordPress 404.php file

If you’re using WordPress, you can customize the 404.php file in your theme directory to add a search bar. Use the following code:

This will generate a search bar, allowing users to search directly from the 404 page.

2. Use a plugin for easy customization

If you prefer not to edit code, you can use plugins like 404page to create a custom 404 error page with a search bar. This plugin allows you to easily design and customize the error page and add a search bar without any coding knowledge.

3. Design the layout

Once you’ve added the search bar, focus on the overall layout. Ensure the search bar is easy to find and encourage users to continue exploring your site. You can also provide links to popular categories or blog posts to guide users to related content.

How to make a 404 error redirect page?

To set up a 404 error redirect page, you’ll either need to manually edit your .htaccess file or use a plugin to manage redirects. Here’s how:

1. Edit the .htaccess file

If you are using an Apache server, you can configure redirects by editing the .htaccess file. For example, to redirect all 404 errors to your homepage, you can add the following line to your .htaccess file: ErrorDocument 404 /index.php

Be sure to replace /index.php with the actual path of the page you want users to be redirected to.

2. Use a plugin for easy redirects

Plugins like Redirection or 404page make it easy to set up 404 error redirects. These plugins let you specify where users should be sent when they encounter a 404 error, and you don’t need to modify any code.

3. Create conditional redirects

If you want more control, you can set up conditional redirects based on the content users were trying to access. This can be done using plugins or by writing custom PHP code that sends users to relevant content based on their request.

When to use a 404 page with a search bar or 404 error redirect page?

Here are scenarios when you should implement a 404 page with a search bar or 404 error redirect page:

• When your site content changes: If you frequently update or remove pages, having redirects in place prevents users from landing on broken links.
• When users encounter broken links: If a page doesn’t exist, a 404 error page with a search bar or redirect ensures users don’t leave your site.
• To improve SEO: Redirects preserve link equity and ensure that users are directed to relevant pages, improving your site’s SEO performance.

Best practices for 404 error pages with search bars or redirects

To ensure that your 404 error pages perform well and provide a good user experience, follow these best practices:

• Keep the page simple and clear: Don’t overwhelm users with too many options. Focus on providing clear, actionable tools like a search bar or redirect link.
• Provide relevant content: Don’t just redirect users to the homepage. Offer related posts or categories that match the user’s original interest.
• Use a friendly tone: Make sure the error page has a friendly, conversational tone so users don’t feel frustrated or abandoned.
• Optimize for mobile: Ensure that your error page is fully responsive and works well on all devices.
• Test your redirects: Regularly check that your redirects are working properly and not leading to broken links.

Resources for creating 404 error pages with search bars or redirects

Here are some helpful resources to create your own 404 pages with search bars or redirects:

• MaxiBlocks: With MaxiBlocks, you can use premade templates to create a custom 404 error page with a search bar and related links. MaxiBlocks
• Redirection plugin: This plugin makes it easy to create and manage 301 redirects on your WordPress site. Redirection Plugin
• 404page plugin: A simple plugin to create a customizable 404 error page with redirection options. 404page Plugin
• Yoast SEO: Use Yoast SEO to set up and monitor redirects to improve your site’s SEO. Yoast SEO Plugin

MaxiBlocks premade 404 templates

If you’re looking for an easy way to create a professional 404 page with a search bar or redirect functionality, MaxiBlocks offers premade templates that you can easily customize. These templates are designed to be fully customizable, allowing you to add a search bar, redirect links, and other elements that match your blog’s design. With MaxiBlocks, you can build a professional 404 page without any coding knowledge.

Conclusion

Creating a 404 page with a search bar or a 404 error redirect page is an essential part of your website’s user experience strategy. These pages not only help keep users engaged after encountering an error but also contribute to better SEO, improved navigation, and a more professional appearance for your site. With tools like MaxiBlocks and WordPress plugins, you can easily implement these pages and provide a seamless experience for your visitors.

FAQs

What are icons and how can I use them on my 404 error page?

Icons can be used to make your 404 error page more visually appealing. You can use icons for buttons, links, or even to represent different sections of your page. Check out Icons for WordPress to add fun and engaging icons to your 404 page.

Can I use WordPress block templates for my 404 error page?

Yes! You can easily customize your 404 page using WordPress block templates from MaxiBlocks. These templates offer flexible design options that can be tailored to match your site’s style and functionality.

Where can I find an icon library for my 404 page design?

MaxiBlocks offers a WordPress icon library with a wide range of icons that can be easily integrated into your 404 error page, enhancing its visual appeal and usability.

How can I improve my 404 error page design?

Improving your 404 error page design involves maintaining consistency with your website’s overall style. Use the principles of WordPress website design to create a clean, engaging, and user-friendly error page that guides users to relevant content.

Why is MaxiBlocks better than Elementor for creating 404 error pages?

MaxiBlocks is better than Elementor for creating 404 error pages because it provides a faster, simpler way to build custom pages with block-based designs. With MaxiBlocks, you can easily create a fully functional and attractive 404 error page without needing to rely on complex page builders.

Can I use WordPress website builders to design a 404 error page?

Yes! With WordPress website builders, you can quickly design and customize a 404 error page that fits your site’s style and functionality using simple drag-and-drop tools.