The Top 3 Missing Pages on Your DIY Website
When I come across DIY websites, there are three pages that are likely not part of the web design:
1. Custom 404 error page
2. Native link in bio page (aka social landing page)
3. Post-submission thank you page
In this blog, I’m going to explain what purpose these pages serve, and why you should include them in your site design.
1. Custom 404 error page
A 404 error page is the page a user lands on when they click a bad link or try to access a non-existent page on your website.
Here’s what the system default message looks like for a 404 error on a Squarespace site:
Here’s what it looks like when I design a custom 404 error page for a client’s site:
Creating a custom 404 landing page improves the user experience because it gives them the option to search your site or click back to an active page. You can have fun with these pages as seen above. You don’t have to use boring website copy that says “404 PAGE NOT FOUND.” No one likes seeing those messages. They’re stale and lazy, quite frankly.
Have fun with your brand messaging even on the 404 error page! Here are some fun title options to use as your “Page Not Found” message:
“Oops, it looks like that page ran away!”
“This is not the page you’re looking for…”
“Uh oh, it looks like that page is lost in the interwebs”
“We’re sorry, but that page took a lunch break and never came back”
“We can’t locate that page. While we search for it, head back to home base!”
2. Instagram landing page (custom link in bio)
An Instagram landing page, or a links page, is crucial but often overlooked. I continue to see brands using Linktr.ee or other link in bio apps on Instagram instead of building out a link in bio page on their website.
Most people use platforms like Tap.Bio and Linktr.ee because they don’t know how simple it is to create a landing page on their website. Creating a “yourbusinessname . com / links” page on your website does two things:
Increases traffic to your website.
Keeps your content on-brand.
Learn how to ditch linktr.ee and get more website traffic with a custom landing page. In that blog, I provide the code you need to remove the header and footer of your Squarespace site, so all users see are your list of relevant links.
3. Post-form submission thank you page
A post-form submission page may sound a bit extra, but I promise it’s worth the effort it takes to create. If you want to increase a user’s time on your site, add this page to your site.
What do I mean by a “post-form submission page”? I mean after someone submits a Contact Form on your website, you can choose to show a short thank you message, or redirect them to another page. My advice? Redirect them to a “Thank you” page.
It doesn’t have to be a long form page with a super unique design. Here’s what I recommend:
A picture of you looking at the page’s copy.
Copy that thanks users for taking the time to fill out your Contact page’s form.
A call to action that asks them to stay on the website longer, such as “Read the blog” or “Check out these free resources.”
The longer you can get people to stay on your website, the better. You need to have engaging content for someone to want to hang around on your site, so give them a good reason to! Who doesn’t love a nice thank you note? I know I do!
A post-submission form thank you page is an easy way to continue providing an exceptional client experience at every touchpoint a potential client has with your brand.
