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404 error pages

Discussion in 'Search Engine Optimization' started by TheWebJunkie, Mar 23, 2005.

0
  1. #1
    In my logs for my site i see this

    Hits by Response Code
    Code 404 - Not Found 11517

    So i was wondering if its possible to create a custom 404 page that will auto redirect to my homepage.
     
    TheWebJunkie, Mar 23, 2005 IP
  2. noppid

    noppid gunnin' for the quota

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    #2
    cpanel servers have an icon to customize error pages.

    Mine are custom, but not redirects, just plenty of info.

    The question is, should you redirect? I don't know, I'm asking seriously.
     
    noppid, Mar 23, 2005 IP
  3. Bernard

    Bernard Well-Known Member

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    #3
    I would not recommend redirecting the 404 page. Just make a copy of your home page,save it under a new filename (like 404.html) and customize it with a message for your visitors (Sorry, the page you requested does not exist or is no longer available. Try browsing to the desired topic using the site navigation located blah blah blah...).
     
    Bernard, Mar 23, 2005 IP
  4. ResaleBroker

    ResaleBroker Active Member

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    #4
    I agree with Bernard. I think a visitor would be confused when they clicked on a link to one page and were redirected to another without explanation.
     
    ResaleBroker, Mar 23, 2005 IP
  5. dirvish

    dirvish Peon

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    #5
    I agree with Bernard and RB, that sounds like a bad idea.

    Here is some code (javascript) if you really want to do it:

    <html>
    <title>CodeAve.com (JavaScript: Redirect)</title>
    <body bgcolor="#FFFFFF">

    <script language="javascript">
    <!--

    location.replace("http://www.yahoo.com");

    -->
    </script>

    </body>
    </html>
     
    dirvish, Mar 23, 2005 IP
  6. ohcnetwork

    ohcnetwork Peon

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    #6
    I think 404 should redirect, BUT not 30x redirect. 404 should stay for 10 seconds or so, and it should redirect to the home page.
     
    ohcnetwork, Mar 24, 2005 IP
  7. Agent47

    Agent47 Well-Known Member

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    #7
    I like the Adobe's Idea placing a search box just incase the user is lost he should search for what he was looking for. take a look: http://www.adobe.com/23.htm
     
    Agent47, Mar 24, 2005 IP
  8. ohcnetwork

    ohcnetwork Peon

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    #8
    Do you know if you can put Google site search on custom 404 page?
     
    ohcnetwork, Mar 24, 2005 IP
  9. Agent47

    Agent47 Well-Known Member

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    #9
    Agent47, Mar 24, 2005 IP
  10. ohcnetwork

    ohcnetwork Peon

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    #10
    Sorry, that's not what I meant. What I wanted to ask are the followings:

    q1. Does this comply with Google TOS?

    q1.2. Does this also comply with Google TOS for AdSense site search?
     
    ohcnetwork, Mar 24, 2005 IP
  11. Agent47

    Agent47 Well-Known Member

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    #11
    I guess there is nothing wrong with adding Google site search to your custom 404 page as it is a free search and you are helping your vistor to search your site if the page he is looking for was not found. However the adsense search might be an issue.
     
    Agent47, Mar 24, 2005 IP
  12. air

    air Active Member

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    #12
    My suggestion .htaccess

    
ErrorDocument 404 /sitemap.html
    Code (markup):
     
    air, Mar 24, 2005 IP
  13. ResaleBroker

    ResaleBroker Active Member

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    #13
    Air, the challenge I see with that solution is that the visitor doesn't know what just happened. He/she clicked on a link to one page and ended up at the site map.
     
    ResaleBroker, Mar 24, 2005 IP
  14. air

    air Active Member

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    #14
    Do you know what a user ending at 404 page is exactly looking for?
    Ok, small change.

    /404sitemap.php
    <h1>404 msg
    some desc
    Sitemap

    IMO this is good enough.
     
    air, Mar 24, 2005 IP
  15. ResaleBroker

    ResaleBroker Active Member

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    #15
    SHTML Example:
    <b>Page Requested Not Found!</b> <br /><br />
    [ <!--#echo var="REQUEST_URI" --> ]
    Some Description
    Sitemap
     
    ResaleBroker, Mar 24, 2005 IP
  16. air

    air Active Member

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    #16
    Ok, I agree. But this is just one more vote for the same conception. ;)

    I have in mind service/product/information not url. Custom sitemap is probably the best landing 404 page :p Of Cource there are a lot of other oprions.
     
    air, Mar 24, 2005 IP
  17. ResaleBroker

    ResaleBroker Active Member

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    #17
    I agree. :)
     
    ResaleBroker, Mar 24, 2005 IP