It's certainly unlucky to be at the bottom of the top 100 results, but it's even more unlucky to be at the bottom 1,000. However, we think there's an entire Internet being ignored from all of those lazy searchers who don't go past the first page of Google. Just a few searches on Google Last resulted in some very interesting websites.
Searching for "seriously" resulted in some serious pr0n, while searching for "unlucky" produced a plethora of hilarious yuk yuks. Isn't it time the bottom 1,000 got some love? Page 100 is where the cool kids are at, so get going.
We're starting a video podcast, but we're not off to a good start. We don't even have a proper RSS feed setup for it yet. I'm so ashamed, but not as ashamed as I am for posting this video.
From a user experience point of view, 404 pages are not something you want to see. If you reach one, it means the content is gone or has been moved. Also, the average Internet user has no idea what the "404" actually means, even though that's usually the message they see. For webmasters and search engine marketers, 404 pages can provide a valuable opportunity to market your website, instead of frustrating your visitors.
However you decide to make your 404 page, keep these principals in mind:
404 Page Principals for Search Marketing
Try to make the page look similar to the rest of your website
Use language that the user will understand
Explain to the user where they are and how they got there
Include a search box so a user can find what they're looking for
Link back to your homepage
Link to something unique on your website
If you can't do any of the above, at least do something memorable
Let's look at how some high profile websites handle their 404 pages.
StumbleUpon
StumbleUpon takes a more traditional approach, but at least they maintain their site design, link to their home page and have a funny message, "It's not the end of the world..."
Pownce
Pownce keeps it simple with, "Ack! We can't find that page." and they show off their age with retro-cool Star Wars reference.
Mixx
Mixx provides a clever page and aesthetically pleasing page, but I'd like to see the navigation.
LiveJournal
LiveJournal does an excellent job of stating the error message (without the number) and explaining to the user what has happened. However, nothing can explain a goat reading a newspaper while taking a crapper.
Fark
In true Fark style, there's a basic message with a well endowed squirrel. More could be said, but there's really no need.
Etsy
Etsy has a Zelda "I am error." page. They include their navigation and site search capability, which is good.
Boagworld
The error page for Boagworld encompasses most of the 404 page features we prefer. It includes their site navigation, a mildly funny "Zoinks!!!" and clear messages with appropriate links.
Pukka Dawn
On the other hand, Pukka Dawn provides an orange. That's right, just an orange.
And at Sitening, we provide our main navigation, a silly message and other options for the user to navigate to.
The Internet almost came to a halt tonight when I spotted a del.icio.us bookmark of the exact same bookmark feed I was reading. If I had infinite time on my hands, I could have clicked on that link over and over, and gone nowhere fast. Fortunately, I came to my senses and made a screenshot instead.