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 project context first: If .claude/project-context.md or .cursor/project-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
Related Skills
- homepage-generator: Primary escape route
- brand-visual-generator: Typography, colors for consistent 404 design
- indexing: noindex for 404 if desired
- title-tag, meta-description, page-metadata: 404 page metadata
1---
2name: 404-page-generator
3description: When the user wants to create, optimize, or audit 404 error pages. Also use when the user mentions "404 page," "404 error," "error page," "page not found," "broken link page," "404 design," "custom 404," "404 redirect," "404 page UX," or "404 recovery." For sitewide page planning, use website-structure.
4metadata:
5 version: 1.0.1
6---
7
8# Pages: 404 Error Page
9
10Guides 404 error page design for UX, conversion recovery, and brand consistency.
11
12**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.
13
14## Initial Assessment
15
16**Check for project context first:** If `.claude/project-context.md` or `.cursor/project-context.md` exists, read it for brand voice, key pages, and Section 12 (Visual Identity).
17
18Identify:
191. **Site structure**: Key pages to link (homepage, popular pages, search)
202. **Brand tone**: Friendly, professional, playful
213. **Conversion goal**: Recover lost visitors, drive to key pages
22
23## Best Practices
24
25### Clear Error Messaging
26
27- **User-friendly**: Neutral message explaining the page wasn't found
28- **Optional 404 display**: Can show "404" but avoid blaming the user
29- **Empathetic tone**: Acknowledge the error gracefully; turn frustration into opportunity
30
31### Navigation and Redirection
32
33| Element | Purpose |
34|---------|---------|
35| **Site navigation** | Header/footer so users know they're still on your site |
36| **Search** | Help users find what they need |
37| **Popular pages** | Links to homepage, features, pricing, blog |
38| **Similar URLs** | Suggest corrections for common typos |
39| **Avoid auto-redirect** | Unless confident of user intent |
40
41### Design and Branding
42
43- **Consistent design**: Same header, footer, colors as rest of site (brand-visual-generator)
44- **Avoid confusion**: Users should not think they've left your domain
45- **Mobile responsive**: Test on all devices
46
47### Conversion Opportunities
48
49404 pages can drive conversions by:
50- Showcasing popular products or features
51- Featuring testimonials or social proof
52- Offering special promotions or value
53- Linking to mobile app or newsletter
54
55### Technical
56
57- **Track 404s**: Monitor broken links, fix or redirect
58- **Accessibility**: Maintain WCAG standards
59- **HTTP status**: Ensure proper 404 response code
60
61## Output Format
62
63- **Copy** options (headline, message, CTA)
64- **Link structure** (what to include)
65- **Design** checklist
66- **SEO**: Typically noindex; ensure canonical if needed
67
68## Related Skills
69
70- **homepage-generator**: Primary escape route
71- **brand-visual-generator**: Typography, colors for consistent 404 design
72- **indexing**: noindex for 404 if desired
73- **title-tag, meta-description, page-metadata**: 404 page metadata
kostja94