The Page Your Website Needs (But Probably Doesn’t Have Yet)
- Holly Michelle
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
Your website could be broken... and you don't even know it. Broken websites = LOST SALES.
When people think about building a website, their minds usually jump straight to things like beautiful design, powerful messaging, and clear calls-to-action. And while those are absolutely essential, there’s one little powerful page that often gets overlooked...but can make a surprising impact: the 404 page.
Yep, that humble “Page Not Found” message matters more than you think. And when you work with me, it’s something I automatically build and customize into your site because I believe in creating websites that work beautifully even when things go wrong. Thats part of building website with a STRATEGY; and YES, this 404 page should be custom to your brand and not just a generic error page.
What Is a 404 Page Anyway?
A 404 page appears when someone tries to visit a page on your site that doesn’t exist. This could happen for a few reasons:
A mistyped URL
A link to a page that’s been removed
A glitch in the system or old bookmark
Without a custom 404 page, visitors see a generic, boring error message and chances are, they’ll click away. OR they don't get a 404 page at all if you never created one and it creates a dead end that customers hate BUT search engines also hate and report back that your website is broken.
But with a strategic, branded 404 page? You keep people on your site, guide them back to something valuable, and actually enhance their experience + guide those search engine bots back to your site; creating those circling internal links.
Why I Always Include a Custom 404 Page for My Clients
When you partner with me to build your website, you’re not just getting a pretty homepage. You're getting a complete, thoughtful, conversion-focused digital experience. That includes all the “invisible” elements like a custom 404 page designed to support your goals.
Here’s why that matters:
✅ 1. It Keeps Visitors From Bouncing
A generic error page is a dead end. But a branded 404 page gives people options like returning to your homepage, checking out your services, or even booking a discovery call. You keep them in your world instead of losing them for good.
✅ 2. It Protects and Strengthens Your Brand
Even mistakes can feel on brand with the right design. Whether your voice is playful, polished, or soulful, your 404 page can reflect that energy and reassure your visitors they’re still in the right place. This also presents your legitimacy and care into your businesses presence.
✅ 3. It Supports Your SEO Strategy
Search engines care about how people interact with your website. A well-crafted 404 page helps reduce bounce rates and keeps users engaged, which tells Google your site is valuable and trustworthy. Plus when I create your 404 page, I optimize it for SEO with some behind the scene details like meta descriptions, alt image tags and ADA compliance.
✅ 4. It Turns an Error Into an Opportunity
Imagine this: someone clicks a broken link, lands on your custom 404, and ends up signing up for your email list or booking a session. That’s the power of thoughtful, strategic design...every detail can drive results.
These Are the Details That Set My Work Apart
When I design a website, I don’t just stop at the surface. I go deeper... into functionality, user experience, and long-term growth potential with strategies backed by psychology and conversions.
Your custom 404 page is just one of many ways I help protect your site’s integrity, your brand’s reputation, and your ability to connect with your audience...whether things go smoothly or not.
So if you're looking for a web designer who thinks two steps ahead and includes the details that others overlook, let’s talk.
I design with intention. I plan for what’s next. And yes, I’ve already thought about your 404 page.
Ready for a website that’s as functional as it is beautiful?
Let’s create something strategic, authoritive and IMPRESSIVE...
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