# Inventive Error Messages Websites Make Getting Lost Funny with Original 404 Pages By Jessica Marcel | Published 2009-09-05 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/404-pages References: [problogdesign](http://www.problogdesign.com/inspiration/35-most-creative-404-pages-around/) Websites are competing more and more to upgrade the experience for their audience. With so many choices on the web, a truly successful website needs to round out the Internet experience for everyone that visits. In the case of these sites, they’ve made their virtual dead end--the 404 page--another happy surprise on their already [rocking websites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/headless-site-directory). Each of the websites on the [Pro Blog Design site](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collection-directory) approaches 404 pages from a different, though usually [comical, perspective](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incorrect-quote-generator). When visitors get lost on your site, you can let them get annoyed, or you can surprise them with a joke. Which sounds like more fun to you? ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 90% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Innovative 404 Pages:** Opportunity for websites to differentiate themselves by creating unique and humorous 404 pages for their users. - **Enhanced User Experience:** Websites can enhance user experience by turning a frustrating error page into an enjoyable one. - **Creative Branding:** 404 pages can become an extension of a website's branding message through creative and customized designs. ### Who This Affects Most - **Web Design:** Web designers can offer innovative 404 page designs as a value-added service to their clients. - **Marketing:** Marketers can use creative 404 pages to reinforce brand messaging and increase brand awareness. - **E-commerce:** E-commerce sites can leverage 404 pages to redirect users to similar products and potentially increase sales. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Curated Website Inspiration](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/browsing-mode.md) - [Celebratory Odd Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ridiculous-design.md) - [Novelty Polling Websites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funnypoll.md) - [Uncharted Web Journeys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uncharted-web-journeys.md) - [Simple Joke Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dad-jokes1.md) - [Randomized Internet Pages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shuffles-the-internet.md) - [Curated Website Suggestions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/curation-of-curations.md) - [Unexpectedly-Amusing Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-death-misfortune-cookies.md) - [Absurd Content Feeds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/absurd-content.md)