Pages: 404 Error Page

Guides 404 error page design for UX, conversion recovery, and brand consistency.

When invoking

On

first use

, if helpful, open with 1-2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On

subsequent use

or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

Initial Assessment

Check for product marketing context first:

If

.claude/product-marketing-context.md

or

.cursor/product-marketing-context.md

exists, read it for brand voice, key pages, and Section 12 (Visual Identity).

Identify:

Site structure

Key pages to link (homepage, popular pages, search)

Brand tone

Friendly, professional, playful

Conversion goal

Recover lost visitors, drive to key pages

Best Practices

Clear Error Messaging

User-friendly

Neutral message explaining the page wasn't found

Optional 404 display

Can show "404" but avoid blaming the user

Empathetic tone

Acknowledge the error gracefully; turn frustration into opportunity

Navigation and Redirection

Element

Purpose

Site navigation

Header/footer so users know they're still on your site

Search

Help users find what they need

Popular pages

Links to homepage, features, pricing, blog

Similar URLs

Suggest corrections for common typos

Avoid auto-redirect

Unless confident of user intent

Design and Branding

Consistent design

Same header, footer, colors as rest of site (brand-visual-generator)

Avoid confusion

Users should not think they've left your domain

Mobile responsive

Test on all devices

Conversion Opportunities

404 pages can drive conversions by:

Showcasing popular products or features

Featuring testimonials or social proof

Offering special promotions or value

Linking to mobile app or newsletter

Technical

Track 404s

Monitor broken links, fix or redirect

Accessibility

Maintain WCAG standards

HTTP status

Ensure proper 404 response code

Output Format

Copy

options (headline, message, CTA)

Link structure

(what to include)

Design

checklist

SEO

Typically noindex; ensure canonical if needed