Does your website have a custom "404" page?

"404" or "Page Not Found" web pages appear when a visitor tries to link to a page that doesn't exist. It could be an old page that no longer exists, or perhaps a spelling mistake.

If you do not have a custom 404 page a visitor to your site will probably see the internet browser's or your hosting service provider's ugly default "Page not found" page - see left.

Why do i need a custom "404" page?

Most visitors will hit the "back" button if they are confronted with the default 404 page, leaving your website.

A custom 404 pages is a great way to retain visitors to your site and help them find what they were origionally looking for.

You can provide vistors with a range of options including links to your home page, search or a list of services.

How do I check?

Type in a url to a page you know does not exist on your website (ei www.yoursite.com.au/not-a-page.html ).

If the result looks like those on the left, you do not have a Custom 404 Page.