10/101 Has your website an error page?
- Rory Buckley
- Feb 2, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 21
1️⃣0️⃣ Has your website an error page?
Creating a seamless user experience is essential for maintaining visitor engagement and building credibility. One often overlooked yet crucial aspect of user experience is the error page, specifically the 404 error page that users encounter when a page cannot be found. If your Wix website doesn't have a customised error page, you might be missing out on an opportunity to keep visitors on your site and guide them back to useful content. In this blog post, we'll explore why having a customised error page on your Wix website is important and provide a step-by-step guide to create one.
Why Your Wix Website Needs a Custom Error Page
1. Enhances User Experience
A generic error page can be frustrating and confusing for users. A custom error page that matches your site's design and provides helpful information can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one. It reassures visitors that they are still on your site and offers them clear directions to navigate back to the main content.
2. Reduces Bounce Rate
When users encounter a generic error page, they are more likely to leave your site immediately, increasing your bounce rate. A well-designed custom error page can keep users engaged by offering links to other valuable content on your site, reducing the likelihood of them leaving.
3. Maintains Brand Consistency
A custom error page allows you to maintain brand consistency across your site. By incorporating your branding elements, such as logos, colours, and fonts, you create a cohesive experience that reinforces your brand identity, even when something goes wrong.
4. Improves SEO
While a 404 error page itself doesn't directly affect your SEO, it can indirectly impact it by improving user engagement and reducing bounce rates. Search engines favour websites that provide a good user experience, so keeping visitors on your site through a helpful error page can contribute to better overall SEO performance.
How to Create a Custom Error Page on Your Wix Website
Creating a custom error page on Wix is straightforward. Follow these steps to set up a helpful and visually appealing error page for your site:
Step 1: Log in to Your Wix Account
Start by logging in to your Wix account and navigating to the dashboard of the site you want to edit.
Step 2: Access the Wix Editor
From your site's dashboard, click on the "Edit Site" button to open the Wix Editor.
Step 3: Create a New Page
Add a New Page: In the Wix Editor, click on the "Pages" menu on the left side of the screen and select "Add Page."
Name the Page: Name the new page something like "Error Page" or "404 Page" so you can easily identify it.
Step 4: Design the Error Page
Add a Message: Include a friendly and helpful message informing visitors that the page they were looking for cannot be found. For example, "Oops! The page you're looking for isn't here. But don't worry, we've got plenty of other great content for you!"
Include Navigation Links: Add links to key pages on your site, such as the homepage, blog, contact page, or product categories. This will help visitors find their way back to relevant content.
Use Search Bar: Consider adding a search bar to the error page so visitors can quickly find what they're looking for.
Incorporate Branding: Make sure the error page matches your site's overall design, including colours, fonts, and logos. This helps maintain a consistent user experience.
Step 5: Set the Error Page
Go to Site Settings: In the Wix Editor, click on the "Settings" icon in the top bar and select "SEO (Google)."
Select 404 Page: Scroll down to the "Advanced SEO Settings" section and find the "404 Page" option. Click "Edit" and select the new error page you created from the dropdown menu.
Save Changes: Save your changes and publish your site to make the custom error page live.
Step 6: Test Your Error Page
After setting up your custom error page, it's essential to test it to ensure it works correctly.
Enter a Non-Existent URL: Type a URL that doesn't exist on your site to trigger the 404 error page. For example, "yourwebsite.com/nonexistentpage."
Check the Design and Functionality: Ensure that the error page displays correctly and all links and search functions work as intended.
Best Practices for Custom Error Pages
Be Helpful and Informative: Provide clear information and helpful links to guide users back to useful content.
Stay On-Brand: Ensure the error page matches your site's overall design and branding to maintain a cohesive user experience.
Use Humour: If appropriate for your brand, a touch of humour can make the error page more engaging and less frustrating for users.
Monitor and Update: Regularly check and update your error page to ensure it remains effective and up-to-date with your site's content.
Next Steps
Having a custom error page on your Wix website is essential for enhancing user experience, reducing bounce rates, maintaining brand consistency, and potentially improving SEO. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create an effective and visually appealing error page that keeps visitors engaged and helps them navigate your site, even when they encounter a broken link or a non-existent page. Don't overlook this important aspect of your website—set up your custom error page today and turn potential dead ends into opportunities for engagement and retention.
If you need help optimising your website, we can help, book a discovery call with Rory by clicking below.
