Why Your Squarespace Site Needs a Custom 404 Page
(And How to Create One)
Picture this: A potential client finds your business through a Google search, clicks on what looks like the perfect service page, but instead of landing on your beautiful website, they're greeted with a stark, generic "Page Not Found" message. Frustrating, right? They might click away and never return.
That's exactly why every Squarespace website needs a thoughtfully designed 404 error page, and I'm here to show you exactly how to create one that keeps visitors engaged instead of sending them running.
What Is a 404 Page (And Why Do You Need One)?
A 404 error page appears when someone tries to visit a page on your website that doesn't exist. This happens more often than you might think:
Someone types your URL incorrectly
You've moved or deleted a page but forgot to set up a redirect
An old link from social media or another website is now broken
Search engines are trying to crawl a page that no longer exists
Here's why a custom 404 page is crucial for your business:
1. Keeps Visitors on Your Site
Instead of hitting a dead end and leaving, a well-designed 404 page guides visitors back to your main content. Think of it as a helpful detour sign rather than a roadblock.
2. Maintains Your Brand Experience
A custom 404 page that matches your website's look and feel shows professionalism and attention to detail. It's another touchpoint to reinforce your brand personality.
3. Improves SEO Performance
Search engines prefer websites that handle errors gracefully. A good 404 page can actually help your search rankings by providing clear navigation paths and keeping visitors engaged.
4. Reduces Bounce Rate
When visitors find useful navigation options on your 404 page instead of a dead end, they're more likely to explore other parts of your site.
5. Provides Valuable Insights
Tracking 404 errors helps you identify broken links and content gaps on your website.
How to Create a Custom 404 Page in Squarespace
How to Create a Custom 404 Page in Squarespace
Good news: Squarespace makes this process surprisingly simple! Here's your step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Access Your 404 Page Settings
Log in to your Squarespace admin panel.
Go to your Website in the main menu.
Click on Pages > System Pages.
Select 404 Error / Page Not Found.
Step 2: Choose Your 404 Page Type
Squarespace gives you two options:
Option A: Use the Default Message
Simple text-based approach.
Customise the headline and body text.
Quick to set up but less visually engaging.
Option B: Redirect to a Custom Page
Create a dedicated 404 page with full design control.
More professional and on-brand.
Recommended for most businesses.
Step 3: Create Your Custom 404 Page (Recommended Approach)
Create a New Page:
Go to Pages in your main menu.
Click the + icon to add a new page.
Choose a blank page.
Title it something like "404 Error Page" (visitors won't see this title).
2. Design Your 404 Page:
Add a friendly headline like "Oops! This page seems to have wandered off."
Include a brief, helpful message explaining what happened.
Add navigation options to guide visitors back to your main content.
Consider including your most popular pages or services.
Add a search bar if your site has one.
3. Connect Your Custom Page:
Go back to Pages > System Pages > 404 Error
Select from the dropdown menus
Choose your newly created 404 page from the dropdown menu
Click Save
What to Include on Your 404 Page
Here's what makes a 404 page actually helpful:
Essential Elements:
Clear, friendly headline that acknowledges the error without being alarming.
Brief explanation of what happened (keep it simple and non-technical).
Navigation menu or links to your main pages.
Search functionality to help visitors find what they're looking for.
Contact information in case they need direct help.
Pro Tips for 404 Page Content:
Showcase your personality – this is a great place to inject some brand humour or charm.
Hide Header and Footer: Page Settings > Navigation > Toggle off. (See some padding? Set section height to L (large) to remove any unwanted padding).
Include your most popular content or services.
Add a newsletter signup to capture emails from lost visitors.
Use your brand colours and fonts to maintain consistency.
Keep the design clean and uncluttered.
Sample 404 Page Copy Ideas
For Creative Entrepreneurs:
"Looks like this page took a creative detour! While we track it down, why not explore some of our favourite projects or learn more about our design process?"
For Photographers:
"This page seems to be out of focus! Let's get you back on track to view our latest galleries or learn about our photography packages."
For Lifestyle Brands:
"This page is taking a mindful moment away from the internet. While it practices self-care, explore our latest blog posts or shop our conscious collections."
Anna K. 404 Page Not Found Example
Testing Your 404 Page
Before you celebrate, make sure everything works properly:
Test the link: Try visiting a non-existent page on your site (like yoursite.com/random-page-name).
Check the design: Ensure your 404 page appears visually appealing on both desktop and mobile devices.
Test all links: Click every navigation link to ensure they work properly.
Review the copy: Read through your content for any typos or unclear messaging.
When to Call Your Designer
While creating a basic 404 page is totally doable on your own, consider reaching out to your web designer if you want to:
Create complex custom animations or interactive elements.
Implement advanced tracking or analytics on your 404 page.
Design a highly customised layout that requires CSS coding.
Set up automatic redirect rules for multiple broken URLs.
Integrate sophisticated search functionality.
Maintenance Checklist
✔️ Monthly: Check your website analytics for 404 errors and fix any broken internal links
✔️ Quarterly: Review your 404 page content to ensure links and information are still current
✔️ Annually: Refresh the design and copy to keep it aligned with any brand updates
Final Thoughts
Creating a custom 404 page might seem like a small detail, but these thoughtful touches are what separate professional websites from amateur ones. Your 404 page is an opportunity to turn a potentially frustrating experience into a delightful one that keeps visitors engaged with your brand.
Remember, every interaction someone has with your website is a chance to make a positive impression. Why not make sure that even your error pages reflect the care and attention to detail that you bring to your business?
Ready to create your 404 page? Set aside 20 minutes this week to get this done. Your future visitors (and your website's professional image) will thank you!
Need more hands-on help with your Squarespace site? Browse other how-to tutorials or reach out if you're ready for professional support with your website optimisation.
