WordPress themes: 404 Page Pro FFP-PRO-03

Creating a WordPress 404 page with MaxiBlocks: Design, Customisation, and Ideas

The 404 error page can be a visitor’s unexpected stop during their journey on your website. With MaxiBlocks, you can transform this moment into an opportunity to engage your users. Let’s look at how to use and customise a 404 page design template made by MaxiBlocks for your WordPress website.

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

A 404 page is what your visitors see when they try to reach a link on your website that doesn’t exist or has been moved. Rather than showing a cold technical error, having a well-designed 404 page helps keep users on your site by providing helpful information or ways to navigate to the right content. A good 404 page provides a positive experience, rather than letting a dead-end drive potential customers away.

With MaxiBlocks and WordPress full site editing, creating an engaging 404 page is simple. You can edit the elements of the page to match your brand identity, making it a consistent part of your overall website design.

Exploring the 404 page design template

MaxiBlocks provides a creative and visually appealing 404 page template. This page isn’t just functional; it brings a touch of fun to an otherwise frustrating experience. Let’s go through each section of the design, including its images, icons, layout, and more.

Main message section

The main part of the page features a large “404” in bold, black text, which immediately communicates the message. Below it, there is a friendly line of text: “Oh dear, this link isn’t working.” This is a straightforward yet personable way to explain the error without overwhelming technical jargon.

Customisation tips for the main message:

1. Change the tone of the message to better suit your brand—for example, use humour or keep it professional.
2. Add animated number counter effects to make the “404” eye-catching.
3. Experiment with different fonts or font weights that align with your brand’s typography.
4. Change the colours to match your brand’s palette.
5. Replace the message text with something unique, such as a themed quote.
6. Add a headline that includes a call to action like “Let’s get you back on track!”
7. Integrate a background gradient to add more visual interest.
8. Add a short line of text below the main message offering further assistance.
9. Include a button to take users back to the homepage.
10. Use a block pattern text to make the message more dynamic.

Search bar section

Below the main message, the page includes a search bar with placeholder text: “What are you looking for?” The search bar is accompanied by a magnifying glass icon on the right-hand side, guiding visitors to use it to find what they need.

Customisation tips for the search bar section:

1. Update the placeholder text to something more playful, such as “Lost? Let us help!”
2. Customise the search bar style—add rounded corners for a softer look.
3. Change the search bar background to a lighter or darker tone to suit your website’s design.
4. Replace the magnifying glass icon with another WordPress icon for a unique look.
5. Integrate animation when users click on the search bar.
6. Add a suggestion dropdown when the search bar is clicked.
7. Change the size of the search bar to make it more prominent.
8. Use a different icon style from the WordPress icon library.
9. Add a border to the search bar, matching it with other elements on your site.
10. Include a call to action above the search bar encouraging visitors to try searching.

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.