A Halloween roundup of our favourite funny 404 ghost pages, plus why a good 404 page matters, some spooky 404 facts and a short history of where the error came from.
But wait, before you think this is just another boring tech topic, let's look at why 404 pages are essential, why they don't need to be dull, and even uncover some spooky stats and history behind these ghostly web companions. Get ready for a thrilling trip through 404 pages, with a roundup of our favourite funny 404 pages at the end, because we love a good 404 ghost.
Why are 404 pages important?
404 pages, also known as error pages or "Not Found" pages, play a crucial role in the web experience. Here's why they matter:
- User experience (UX): Imagine wandering into a haunted house without warning signs or guidance. A well-designed 404 page is like a friendly ghost that helps lost users find their way back to the main site. It keeps your visitors engaged and prevents them from leaving in frustration.
- Search engine optimisation (SEO): A stray 404 won't get your site penalised, because Google is clear that 404s don't harm your indexing or ranking. But a dead end still costs you: visitors bounce, and any page that other sites link to and that now 404s loses that link value. A helpful custom 404 page, plus redirecting the pages that mattered, keeps both the visitors and the links.
Why they don't need to be boring
404 pages are often seen as dull, but they present a unique creative opportunity. Here's how you can make them fun and engaging:
- Add humour: Injecting humour into your 404 page can turn frustration into amusement. Think of witty captions, quirky illustrations, or playful animations that align with your brand's tone.
- Provide navigation: Help users get back on track by including clear navigation links to your homepage, popular content, or a site map.
- Reflect your brand: Your 404 page is an extension of your brand's personality. Use it to reinforce your brand identity and leave a memorable impression.
Spooky 404 stats and facts
Let's look at some spine-tingling statistics and facts about 404 pages:
- We've seen it said that around 8% of page views are 404 errors, though we couldn't track down where that figure comes from, so treat it as a rough guide. Either way, that's a lot of lost visitors!
- The web was born at CERN in the early 1990s, and the 404 error code grew up with it. It's come a long way since then. But, you may ask what does 404 mean, where does the number 404 come from, weeellll, room 404; this room housed the web’s first servers, at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research, in Switzerland); and World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee had his office there; he also, frequently, could not be found. Of course, as these stories often go, it’s complete rubbish: Robert Cailliau, who worked on the web with Tim Berners-Lee at CERN, has said 404 was never linked to any room at CERN, and there was no room 404 anyway. Other stories say that because memory was an issue at the time a long message was impractical, so because client errors fall in the 400 number range, 404 is just a completely arbitrary number assigned to the error.
- Some websites use creative 404 pages to entertain users. For example, the LEGO website has a fun 404 page featuring a LEGO man.
- You'll often see a stat that most users would come back to a site with a helpful 404 page. We couldn't find the original survey, but it matches what you'd expect: people forgive a dead end if you help them out of it.
The history of 404 pages
The term "404" originated from the HTTP status code system, which arrived with HTTP/1.0 in 1996 (RFC 1945 defines 404 as "Not Found"). It signifies that the requested page is not found on the server. Over the years, 404 pages have evolved from simple error messages to creative canvases for web designers to showcase their skills.
So, 404 ghost pages are more than just error messages. They are an opportunity to engage users, reflect your brand's personality, and add a touch of Halloween spirit to your website. Don't be afraid to get creative with your 404 page, and who knows, it might just become the highlight of your site!
Right, enough facts, on to the roundup of our favourite 404 ghost pages.
Our list of great 404 pages
Disney
Why we like it: Creative, animated, it is Disney.
OptinMonster
Why we like it: Not the prettiest, but functional. It’s got a nav, a search so you can find what you were looking for in the first place, and a CTA that allows you to download a free case study.
M&M
Why we like it: It’s a worried M&M, what’s not to like.
Spotify
Why we like it: On brand, interactive, pretty, gets you where you need to go from here.
Marvel
Why we like it: This one’s just fun and creative.
CoSchedule
Why we like it: Because meme
Sprout Social
Why we like it: They really want to keep you on the site, it has everything you need to navigate, sign up, get a demo and their live chat is there to help you right away.
Marie Kondo
Why we like it: Not taking themselves very seriously and injecting a bit of fun, “Let go with Gratitude”
Pixar
Why we like it: It’s just a 404.
Dan Woodger
Why we like it: Features the artist’s work.
Dribbble
Why we like it: Creative and interactive
We hope you like the list, and if you have a favourite, let us know, we love a good 404 page.
404 pages: your questions answered
What is a 404 ghost page?
It's a 404 error page that has some personality, often with a ghost, a lost character or a joke, instead of a dull "Not Found" message. The good ones still tell visitors what happened and point them somewhere useful.
What makes a funny 404 page work?
The humour should never replace the help. Keep the joke short, then give people a search box, links to your popular pages and a way back home. If you're planning the rest of your site as well, our post on how a well-designed website can boost your business covers why details like this matter.
Do 404 pages hurt SEO?
A few 404s are normal on any site, and Google says 404s don't harm your ranking, but a visitor who hits a dead end usually leaves. A helpful custom page keeps them moving, and fixing the broken links that send people there is better still.
How do I get a custom 404 page on my own site?
Most site builders, Webflow included, let you design one page and publish it as your 404. Before you start, it helps to agree what you want from the design and who signs it off, so have a look at our tips on good design feedback and requirements. For budgeting a custom page into a bigger project, see understanding the cost of a website.
Want more design inspiration? Our look at the top web design trends for 2023 and our tips for a digital detox are good next reads, or head back to the blog for more.
