Cashing in on 404 Pages

We all know that content is king. It is what drives people to our websites. What happens though when a page on your site is not found? I am sure you have seen those ugly error pages, 404 File Not Found. Those are caused by pages that either do not exist, are spelled wrong, have spaces in them, or are simply linked incorrectly.

Websites that still show those error pages are losing visitors and potential sales. You would most most likely not start editing the URL in your address bar to try locating another page on that site. Instead, you would either use your back button, a bookmark, or type a known URL into the address bar. If you do start searching for that page, you are one of the elite who just have to find it.

Chances are real high that once a visitor sees a 404 error page on your site, they will not be back. So what can you do to keep them there?

You could create a custom page that contains links to other pages in your site, or the sales page for your primary product. Chances are good that your visitors are looking for it anyway.

Once the page is created and uploaded to your website, you have to tell the web server to use it when a 404 error is encountered. There are two ways to handle this: an easy way with cPanel and a hard way (for non-technical users) by editing a text file.

The cPanel method involves logging into your account, clicking the Error Pages icon and clicking the 404 page editor link. Once there you are presented with a text box. With your web page editor open, view the page source, highlight and copy all of it, then paste it into the 404 page editor box. Save your changes and the system will use it from then on.

The manual method involves editing any existing .htaccess file with a plain text editor such as Windows Notepad or NoteTab. Near the top of the file, enter this line:

ErrorDocument 404 LINK-TO-YOUR-PAGE

Now save that file and put it back online. If you have cPanel, the File Manager has a file editor built in. Otherwise, you will have to learn how to use an FTP program to transfer files.

Once that is online, you can be rest assured that anyone trying to reach a non-existing page will be kept on your site and see your offer. Congratulation! You just saved a sale.

If your web host does not offer cPanel or another domain manager, move your site to one that does have it. A domain manager is an essential tool for anyone with a website.

Jim Hutchinson is the Project Manager for Website Managers. He has studied Internet Marketing from some of the most influential leaders. Many of those resources are available on Affiliate Referral Sources.
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