A 404 error occurs when a user attempts to access a page on your website that doesn’t exist. Most websites display a default error page. However, it creates an opportunity to engage and assist your website visitors.
In this post, we take a look at how political parties are using 404 pages to get their message across (or not).
Conservatives - UK
If you are going to use a 404 page for a message, it needs to be readable.
Labour - UK
This page is readable but for a political message, it lacks any punch.
Liberal Democrats - UK
This is a missed opportunity. Not only does it not show a political message, it offers no assistance.
Reform - UK
This is what you should have as a minimum for your 404 page.
Scottish National Party - UK
This is one of the most creative ways of using your 404 page to get a message across.
Alba - UK
This is the default 404 page. Probably the worst thing that you can display.
Greens - UK
Showing a site map is useful but it would be better to show a few key pages.
Plaid Cymru - UK
This is similar to the Labour 404 page – it has a political message but lacks punch.
Democrats - US
Not the most exciting 404 page but engages with users and help them to find key pages.
Republicans - US
Using humour for a 404 page helps to engage with the website visitor.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are lots of different ways to implement a 404 page that can assist your visitors.
The most important thing is that you do something that will help them to navigate your website.
