How to create a 404-error page
What is a 404 error


To do this, open the list of projects, and add a new one. Enter the domain of the site in the window that opens. The name will appear automatically, but you can change it. Next, click "Create", and run the audit.

Having finished setting, you can begin the audit. Its duration depends on the number of pages and links on the site.
The result of the check will include all 404 errors that were detected. They are collected in a table in the error summary. In the same table, you can see the problem description and the ways how to solve it.

We don't always know at what exact address the error is, and if there is one at all. Moreover, the problem often arises because the user enters the wrong address. Thus, it's better to be safe and think ahead about what the error 404 "Page Not Found" will look like if something goes wrong.
What should be on the 404-error page
In this case, you need to know the exact page which the user tried to hit in order to offer him a similar product or material. You can easily do it if the URL contains a category or section.
Designers often add interesting animations or even mini-games. From our own experience, we can say that such methods of user distraction from the negative work at 100%. Here's the collection of original page design options for 404:
It's better to explain to a person that there is no such page, or it has moved and to offer him or her something in exchange, for example, similar materials, the ability to continue the search or interactive content.
Why is it important
Search engines track user behavior on sites. Permanent loss of traffic means that the resource doesn't work correctly and doesn't bring any benefit. The optimized 404-error page allows you to retain the user and offer him something useful in exchange. Thus, a positive effect on ranking.
How to create a 404 page
Therefore, you need to know not only how to make a 404-error page, but also how to connect it to the site via the .htaccess file. First, you need to transfer the 404-page template to the root folder of the site. Then open the .htaccess file and write the following code in it:
ErrorDocument 404 http://YOUR_SITE/404.html

We fill in on a hosting and check. To do this, make a mistake in any of the links of the site (add or remove a letter, for example). If the server shows a new 404 page, it means that everything is OK. If it doesn't happen, an error was made most likely in the code.
How to make a 404 page in WordPress
Conclusion
Don't forget that this is a full-fledged page, which should be concerned as much with design and development as with the other site pages and functionality in general.
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