Optimize 404 Page for Traffic

Traffic comes in many ways. However, most of us ignore one of the most overlook source of traffic—the 404 page. By default, Web servers return a simple “404 Not Found (file not found)” error message page when they get a request for a Web page (URL) that it can’t find. Don’t let it go to waste. Instead make full use of it to retain the traffic (…or make money from it).

As of most WordPress themes, each one of theme comes with typical 404.php page. The one I often found is:

Sorry, no posts matched your criteria.

How does this sound to you? Personally, I don’t find it informative at all, yet alone helping the lost visitors. Casual visitor will eventually hit the “Back” button or worst, close the page.

To overcome this situation, at least redirect your visitors to the main page by adding this code at the top of your 404.php page. For more information on how to implement this technique, head to Hack WordPress for guidance.

<?php
header ('Location: http://yourhomepageurl/’ );
?>

Whatever you do with your 404.php page, try to avoid these as well.

  • Blame your visitor for getting lost.
  • Have a long explanation of why they reached the 404 page.
  • Include the whole site map.
  • Expect your visitor do the hard work, beyond what’s absolutely necessary, to get where they originally looking for.
  • Not bother at all.

How do you make use of your error page? Let us know as well.

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Posted on: June 13, 2008 | Under Blog Traffic 
 

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