How to Create Custom Pages for 404 Not Found Error in cPanel?
Imagine you are on a website browsing something like a blog post, a product, or maybe even just some contact information. You hit the link and the white page appears saying,
“404 Not Found”.
The visitor might leave the website instantly and can create a negative impression in the users’ mind, right?
A 404 Not Found error can be found when the server could not find the page you were trying to explore. Such a common error is faced by users while exploring the web. So, having a Custom 404 page is essential and can help you in this instance.
Why Require a Custom 404 Page?
When the user reaches a 404 error page, they are usually confused, frustrated, and about to leave the website. It would result in an opportunity lost. A custom designed 404 page can encourage users to return back to the website and may offer some value. Let’s walk through some of the reasons why having a custom 404 page is a good alternative!
- Better User Experience: A friendly statement you’ll be back soon, unique navigation or search bar readily accessible can help get users back on track.
- Brand Voice & Consistency: A 404 custom page allows you to showcase your voice, design style, and values that helps convey message to the users.
- Lower Bounce Rates: Rather than leaving your site and looking back for other alternatives, users will likely stay on your page.
- SEO-Friendly: Even though your 404 pages won’t be direct rankings on the search engines, engaging users on your site indicates quality content to Google.
Basic Requirements
To create custom pages, you require the following:
cPanel Access: Top hosting companies like Bluehost, HostGator, or SiteGround offer cPanel access. Then, you need to log into your hosting account for confirmation.
Basic HTML knowledge: Having basic HTML knowledge is essential, if you require to customize your 404 page. As an alternative, you can even use templates or the built-in editor if you don’t have sufficient technical knowledge.
A hosting account with cPanel: Your hosting company needs to provide cPanel hosting accounts, hence offering complete customization control.
Steps to Create Custom Page for 404 Not Found Error in cPanel
Step 1: You need to login to the cPanel account using Admin details like username and password.
Step 2: Moving further on cPanel, scroll down to the ‘Advanced’ section and click on Error Pages.
Step 3: On the Error pages, you can proceed further by selecting the domain of your choice and the error page you want to customize.
Step 4: It will display different types of error pages. And, you can easily customize all of them. But, as of now, we will customize the 404 error page.
Step 5: Then, you will be navigated to a new window, as you click on 404 not found. Here, you can create custom error pages. And, to do so effectively, you can use the HTML tags in your page. As a result, it will be easier to match the look of your error page as compared to the other pages of your website.
After creating a custom 404 error page, you need to just click on Save.
Step 6: Your custom 404-error page is now created successfully.
Step 7: If you want to further modify the error page or customize any of the other listed pages, you need to go back. By default, all accounts already have an error page. You can also go back to the custom error page to edit the existing error pages or even to customize other pages.
That’s it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Explain the 404 Not Found error.
A 404 error is the most common error and appears when you are trying to access something that was not found on the server. It happens in certain conditions when you type an invalid URL, a link has expired, or attempt to access a webpage that is already deleted.
What is the need to create a custom 404 page?
Custom 404 pages facilitate improving user experience by adding helpful links, or search bar. Custom error pages will reduce bounce rates and motivate shoppers to stay for long enough on the website.
Is it required to have coding knowledge to create a custom 404 page?
No, you just require to have basic HTML knowledge, or can use a pre-designed template. Most hosting accounts like cPanel, have user friendly editors that give you the ability to create or edit your error pages.
What if my custom 404 page doesn’t appear?
You will want to check your .htaccess file to determine if the error page is detected. Make sure that the file path and name are correct, and can even try after clearing your browser cache.
Is it possible to redirect 404 errors to the homepage instead?
Yes, it is possible. But, it is not recommended and is poor SEO practice. It is better to create an informative 404 page with links to popular or related content.
