How to create a custom 404 error page on Squarespace
First of all what is a 404? It’s an error code that appears on websites when a link is broken or does not lead to a valid page. A user can stumble onto a 404 page in a variety of ways. Maybe they followed a link on the website itself that leads to a 404, or maybe they have a bookmark that leads to a dead-end.
Squarespace has a default 404 page, but it’s not designed well and offers no sense of direction or assistance to the user.
Squarespace’s default 404 page
But Squarespace does let you override this page, you can simple choose another page on your website (such as the Home page) or you can create your own custom 404 page.
I always create a custom 404 page because I personally don’t like using another page such as the homepage for the 404 redirect because the user might not understand what happened whereas landing on a 404 page allows them to know the link is broken and can give them options on where to go from there. On my custom 404 page I always make sure to have at least one call to action button.
Once you’ve created your custom 404 page it’s time to connect it. On Squarespace’s left hand navigation go to Website > scroll down to System Pages > 404 Page > from the dropdown select the page you’d like and save.
And there you go, a very easy thing to do that keeps your website on brand and is engaging for your users and if you’re a designer it’s a small detailed task that will impress your clients!
