From Error to Strategy: It’s Only One Step to the 404

404 error pages are pages that do not exist, whether because they have been deleted or because they are not properly redirected to a new URL.

Most websites keep this error page as is:

When it appears, most internet users abandon that website and go back to the search engine in search of new alternatives.

However, there are other websites that use this as a new strategy to capture users by facilitating navigation. How? By following a few steps:

1. They create a custom design for their 404 page.
2. They explain what happened with a creative message and, sometimes, even a touch of humor.
3. They provide solutions.
4. They link to the new page.
5. They add a search bar.
6. They include a contact tab.
7. All the above information appears on the page in an organized, easily accessible, and, of course, creative way.

Here are some examples of 404 errors. They don't look anything like the previous image, do they?