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Google helps Enhance Custom 404 Pages


On August 19th, 2008 Google launches it new 'Enhanced' 404 pages. The enhanced 404 pages add a nice 'custom' feel to your website. The Enhanced 404 page lets users know the closest URL match for your website. Not only can the Enhanced 404 page give you the closest match, but it can also direct users straight to your sitemap. So if you sitemap is well layed out and organized users will have a full broad spectrum of links to choose from. Now, if that wasn't enough, Google also provided a small search box which allows users to search through your site using Google Search. (e.g. site:adamzpayne.com Best Web Design Tips)

The Enhanced or Custom 404 pages are known as 'Hard' 404 pages. These pages are consitent with the rest of your website layout, and help keep traffic on your website. Another great tip, so users NEVER have to see 404 pages is to re-direct your commonly misspelled words with 301's or Permenat re-directs. If a user was trying to reach my blog and typed in (adamzpayne.com/Bog) they would reach a 404 page, suggesting (adamzpayne.com/Blog). On the other side I could use a 301 re-direct and simply move them to the best web design tips blog.


The Google Enhanced 404 Code


<style type=“text/css”>
  #goog-wm { }
  #goog-wm h3.closest-match { }
  #goog-wm h3.closest-match a { }
  #goog-wm h3.other-things { }
  #goog-wm ul li { }
  #goog-wm li.search-goog { display: block; }
</style>
<script type=“text/javascript”>
  var GOOG_FIXURL_LANG = ‘en’;
  var GOOG_FIXURL_SITE = ‘http://www.YOU-WEBSITE-HERE.com/’;
</script>
<script type=“text/javascript” src=“http://linkhelp.clients.google.com/tbproxy/lh/wm/fixurl.js”></script>


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