Technical
TechnicalLow

Custom 404 Page

Checks that the 404 page is branded with helpful navigation and search.

What this check measures

We request a non-existent URL. Valid 404 status + a branded page with search/nav = pass. Bare "404 Not Found" = fail.

Why it matters

A default 404 bounces ~90% of users. A branded one with search and nav retains most of them. UX + SEO both benefit.

search

How our audit detects it

Request random non-existent URL. Verify 404 status and count links/search inputs on the response page.

Typical findings

  • error_outlineDefault framework 404 with zero branding.
  • error_outline404 returns 200 status (soft-404).
  • error_outlineNo search, no popular links on 404.

How to fix

Ship a 404 page matching your brand with: "Sorry, this page moved" message, 3-5 popular links, search input. Return 404 status code. In Next.js: `app/not-found.tsx`.

Copy-paste fix prompt for your stack

Lovable · Cursor · Bolt · v0 · Replit · Windsurf · Claude Code · Base44

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Frequently asked questions

Should I redirect 404s to homepage?expand_more
No — creates soft-404 issues. Keep 404 status, make the page useful.

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