--- title: "Custom 404 Error Page" description: "Replace the default \"page not found\" screen with a branded 404 page that keeps visitors on your site and guides them back to booking or key pages." url: https://help.aesthetixcrm.com/en/articles/1914-custom-404-error-page collection: "Building Your Website" updated: 2026-07-10 language: en --- # Custom 404 Error Page Replace the default "page not found" screen with a branded 404 page that keeps visitors on your site and guides them back to booking or key pages. ![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/FmisOxoPbNveDFTk7lNGIDrY9uduZOr7DFSxR22KSW2vaRqOGLkNgSVRBPm7OZnFjL2NbVtlLIK.png) When a visitor lands on a page that no longer exists, the default "Page Not Found" message is a dead end that can send them away from your site. A custom 404 error page turns that moment into a helpful one. Instead of a generic error, you can show a branded page that explains what happened and points visitors toward your homepage, treatment pages, or a way to book a consultation. This guide explains what a custom 404 page is, when it helps, and how to set one for your domain in Aesthetix CRM. ## What Is a Custom 404 Error Page? A custom 404 error page replaces the standard error screen with a page you design. You control the look, so it can carry your practice's logo, colors, fonts, and tone. Beyond appearance, an effective 404 page explains the error in a friendly way and offers a next step, such as links to your homepage, popular treatment pages, or a contact page. That keeps visitors engaged and exploring rather than leaving. ## When 404 Errors Happen 404 errors occur when someone tries to reach a page that is not on your server. Common causes include: - **Broken or dead links:** Old links on your site, or links from other sites, that point to pages that no longer exist. For example, a blog post that was deleted or moved. - **URL changes without a redirect:** If you change a page's URL without setting up a redirect, anyone using the old link hits a 404. This is common after updating service or pricing page URLs. - **Typing errors:** A visitor mistypes a URL in the address bar. - **Deleted pages:** Any page you remove will show a 404 to visitors who try to reach it. In each case, a custom page can reassure the visitor and offer links to get them back on track, for example: "The page you are looking for has moved, but you can explore our treatments or book a consultation below." ## Benefits of a Custom 404 Page - **Better user experience:** Clear, friendly messaging reduces frustration. - **Brand consistency:** Your look and tone stay intact even on an error page. - **Lower bounce rate:** Helpful links encourage visitors to keep browsing instead of leaving. - **Engagement opportunity:** A well-designed page can invite visitors to book or explore. - **SEO support:** While 404s do not directly hurt SEO, guiding visitors back to active pages protects the engagement signals that indirectly support it. ## How to Set a Custom 404 Page for Your Domain ### Step 1: Create the Page First, build the page you want to use as your 404 page. Go to **Sites**, then **Funnels** or **Websites**, and open a site using the domain the 404 page is for. Create and customize a new page with helpful elements such as: - A short message explaining the error - A button to return to the homepage - Links to key pages, like your treatments or contact page - An optional search bar > **Note:** Aim to have a unique 404 page for each domain. ### Step 2: Assign the Page in Domain Settings Navigate to **Settings**, then **Domains**. Find the domain you want to edit and open its settings using the edit (pencil) icon, or click **Manage** next to the domain, then the three-dots icon and **Edit**. ![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/jIq3VZ72TgMi58U2Wbh1FgfdIQ8eTCytYpzzXtu37huU3Fh5GvFT6ClpfeWNcVbqjuxZDDx1vX3.png) Locate the **Set default 404/Error Page** dropdown, select the page you created, and click **Save**. ![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/t0ueHxcniD0lHRd8i6ffHU3c98pbEsMszlB9ij6LOefd7h17BQbqSc4IodlmfJHPaoIvxZUF1OA.png) Once assigned, any visitor who hits a 404 on that domain is automatically taken to your custom page. ![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/Frho1dukkw7cgv1qOioauPlquJ8DViUwOdMRcTTG13kVmZq2RMhnpdZCdSzlvbKrrnS7cyYDmDN.png) ## Best Practices for 404 Pages - Keep the message simple and friendly. - Include a clear call to action, such as **Go Back** or **Visit Homepage**. - Add navigation links to your most important pages. - Avoid clutter that could confuse the visitor. - Match your branding so the page feels like part of your site. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Can I track visits to my 404 page?** Yes. Tools like Google Analytics let you see how often visitors reach the page and what they do afterward. **Can I have more than one 404 page?** You can assign a different 404 page per domain or subdomain. In most cases, one consistent page is best, though distinct sections of a site, such as a blog and a store, can justify separate pages. **Does a custom 404 page affect my SEO?** Not directly. It improves user experience, which is an indirect factor in SEO, and it keeps visitors on active pages, protecting your overall engagement. **I set up a custom 404 page, but visitors still see the default one. Why?** This usually means the page was not properly assigned or saved in domain settings. Recheck the assignment, and contact support if it persists. **Can I add images or video to my 404 page?** Yes. You can use any element you would on a normal page. Keep the design clean and focused on helping visitors navigate. **How often should I update my 404 page?** There is no fixed rule. Review it periodically and update it whenever you rebrand or add major sections to your site so its links stay relevant.