WordPress themes: 404 Page Pro FFP-PRO-14

How to customise a WordPress 404 page with MaxiBlocks

Creating a unique 404 page can be a fun way to add personality to your website and guide visitors back on track. A 404 page is what users see when they try to access a page that doesn’t exist on your site – and it’s more important than you might think. It helps visitors who may be lost, preventing frustration and keeping them engaged with your website. In this post, we’ll dive into how to use a 404 page template from MaxiBlocks and make it your own using full site editing.

What is a 404 page and why is it important?

A 404 page is displayed when a user tries to reach a page that isn’t available on your website. This might happen if the page has been deleted, moved, or if the visitor has typed the URL incorrectly. A thoughtfully designed 404 page can help users quickly find their way back to important parts of your website instead of losing interest and leaving.

The importance of a 404 page lies in its ability to turn a frustrating experience into an opportunity. Instead of simply saying, “Page not found”, a creative 404 page can make a positive impression, reflect your brand, and guide users to helpful content. With WordPress’s full site editing, you can easily use a pre-made 404 pattern and customise it to fit your site’s style and needs. You can learn more about using full site editing with WordPress in our guide here.

Exploring the MaxiBlocks 404 page layout

The MaxiBlocks 404 page design is visually split into two halves, ensuring an engaging yet straightforward layout that guides users effectively. The left side features the informative content, while the right side contains an image of a surprised-looking monkey, bringing an element of light-heartedness to an otherwise frustrating moment for visitors.

Content section

On the left-hand side of the page, you’ll find the main message: a large, bold title reading “OOPS!” This instantly captures attention, adding a human element to the error message. Beneath it, a smaller paragraph explains the situation in plain language, stating: “We can’t seem to find the page you’re looking for.” The intention is to reassure users, clearly communicating what went wrong without using technical jargon.

Below the text are a few helpful links. These links include Home, Search, Help, and Sitemap. Each is accompanied by a small arrow icon, providing a visual indicator that these are actionable items, helping visitors easily identify their next steps.

Tips for customising the content section

1. Change the main title to something more aligned with your brand voice—such as “Whoops! We missed a spot!” for a playful approach.
2. Replace the subtitle with a more creative error explanation, or even a funny quote relevant to your niche.
3. Update the links to reflect more popular pages on your site, like “Explore Our Blog” or “Shop New Arrivals”.
4. Add an email subscribe form for users who want updates when they can’t find what they’re looking for. This is a great way to grow your list.
5. Use a different icon beside each link to create more visual variety—choose from the wide range of options in the WordPress icon library.
6. Include an animated number counter that showcases some site statistics. It could be the number of successful projects completed, for example, which may inspire the visitor to stay.
7. Highlight a special promotion or offer as a call to action. For example, “Since we can’t find this page, here’s 10% off your next purchase!”
8. Add testimonials design to add social proof and encourage users to continue exploring your services.
9. Incorporate a WordPress contact form so visitors can reach out directly if they’re feeling lost.
10. Link to the FAQ pages or most commonly accessed sections of your website, using block patterns blog hero style.

Image section

The right-hand side of the template is dominated by a large image of a monkey with an expressive, surprised look. This image adds humour to a potentially frustrating experience, helping to defuse any irritation.

Tips for customising the image section

1. Replace the monkey image 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 an animation effect to the image to draw more attention. A subtle zoom-in or shake effect can be captivating.
4. If your business is corporate, replace with something more professional yet playful, like an image of an office team with exaggerated expressions.
5. Tint the image in a brand-related colour to match the overall aesthetic.
6. Add a translucent overlay over the image with a relevant message, making the design look more cohesive.
7. Use user-generated content, such as funny team photos, to add a personal touch.
8. Consider a seasonal theme to the image—like festive decorations during the holidays.
9. Replace the image with a WooCommerce product if it’s an e-commerce site, using a funny product shot.
10. Highlight your brand logo pattern to keep branding consistent.

Call-to-Action Button

At the bottom of the 404 page, there’s a “Go home” button. This button is a crucial element, guiding users back to the homepage for a more seamless navigation experience.

Tips for customising the call-to-action section

1. Change the text to something more engaging, like “Let’s get back to the fun!” or “Take me home.”
2. Add a secondary button, like “Visit our blog” or “Contact us,” to provide multiple options.
3. Update the button colour to match your brand, making it stand out even more.
4. Make the button larger or smaller to fit your website’s design style.
5. Add a subtle animation effect when users hover over the button.
6. Include a small icon next to the button text for better visual understanding.
7. Link to other important areas like your services page or latest blog post.
8. Incorporate an email subscribe form directly below the button for lead generation.
9. Add testimonials next to the button to give users more motivation to click.
10. Experiment with rounded or gradient styles to make the button more modern.

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.

Tips for customising 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. Use creative icons that match the theme of your site.
4. Add hover animations to create interactivity.
5. Include a quick subscribe button for newsletters next to the social icons.
6. Direct links to campaigns on your social media channels.
7. Adjust the size and spacing for visual balance.
8. Add tooltips on hover to give more context, e.g., “Follow us on Facebook!”
9. Create custom icons that match the theme of your site.
10. Highlight social proof stats below the icons, such as “Join our 10k followers on Instagram!”

Different types of websites that can use a WordPress 404 page

Virtually all website types can benefit from a well-designed 404 page, but each type can customise it according to its needs:

• Health websites: Use calming imagery and links to health articles.
• Agency homepage templates: Link to your portfolio or case studies.
• Non-profit websites: Showcase mission statements or impact stories.
• Travel websites: Provide links to popular destinations or travel guides.
• Photography websites: Showcase a portfolio link to draw users back in.
• Consulting websites: Highlight services and client testimonials to maintain interest.
• Food and restaurant websites: Display menus or special offers directly on the page.
• Event planning websites: Offer a link to upcoming events or a gallery of past ones.

Final thoughts

A well-crafted 404 page should serve as a helpful guide for lost visitors and an opportunity to reinforce your brand. MaxiBlocks makes it easy to customise your 404 page to fit the rest of your website’s design, keeping users engaged even when they can’t find the content they were looking for.

If you’re just getting started, be sure to explore our WordPress websites section to learn more about WordPress website design and find the right WordPress website builder for your needs. MaxiBlocks also offers alternatives to Elementor and other popular tools to help create a beautiful website with ease.

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.