Make Your 404 Page a Happy Error

Let's talk about something that might seem totally boring but is actually a secret weapon for your brand – your 404 page! And if you’re thinking, “Your 404 what now?!”, read on, my fearless reader, read on!

Your dream client, Jane, is scrolling Instagram when she spots a post about your life-changing workshop. She clicks through, eager to learn more, and then... womp womp. 404 error!

That workshop was LAST year. 🤦‍♀️

And here's poor Jane, thinking she was about to join your epic event, only to find an empty lot with tumbleweed!

But what, if instead of leaving disappointed, Jane actually fell MORE in love with your brand because of this mishap?

It’s possible, and I can show you how to make it happen!

A 404 page is basically the digital version of your favorite store moving location; or Jane eding up in that vacant lot. The page shows up for the following reasons:

1) Someone clicks an outdated link (for instance, Jane!)

2) They type the wrong URL (those fumbling fingers!)

3) You've moved or refreshed your content (because, well, GROWTH!)

Here's the deal: 404 errors are gonna happen, no matter how on top of things you are (see reason #2 above). But instead of letting it be a bummer, let's turn it into a VIP experience!

3 Ways to Make Your 404 Page a Happy Error:

1. The Surprise & Delight Method

• Drop an exclusive discount code
• Offer a free mini-training
• Share a quick win tip Think: "Oops! This page is playing hide and seek, but here's 15% off to make it up to you! 😘”
• Add your latest Instagram feed
• Share a quick contact form, because relationships are everything in business, right?

2. The Helpful Guide Approach

• Add a helpful search bar
• Link to your most popular content
• Include your hottest offers, because they may be exactly what your visitor needs!

3. The Fun Factor

• Add a clever, brand-related game
• Share a relatable GIF or image
• Drop in an industry inside joke, keeping it professional but playful

The secret sauce? Pick what feels authentic to YOU and your brand. If you're all about luxury services, keep it elegant. If you're the fun coach, let that personality shine through!

Here's my 404 page - proof that I practice what I preach! 😉

1) Check your current 404 page (be honest – when's the last time you looked? If you don’t know how to find it, type in any bogus url, like, yoururl.com/oops)

2) Pick your favorite idea from above - or come up with something else!

3) Infuse the idea with your unique brand magic

4) Test it out (and get feedback)

5) Track your results (because data is queen!)

6) And of course, try to keep YOUR URL errors to a minimum.

Drop a comment below or send me a message – I'd love to hear your creative 404 ideas! Have you seen any pages lately that made you go "OMG, genius!"? Please share!

Lastly, remember, every touchpoint with your audience is a chance to shine – even in (or especially in) the "oops" moments! ✨