Make Money from Your 404 Pages
Posted by Mike | Filed under Make Money OnlineTurn Your 404 Page into a Moneymaker!
Are you ready to turn this…
Into this…?
I thought so! Well… let me tell you something first.
Ever since I changed this blog’s permalink structure, a lot of people have been going to pages which are not available any more. I was thinking… why not add some spice to the 404 page and make money at the same time? Instead of just having the typical “Page not found, check your address bar for errors or go back to the main page, blah blah blah…”, I decided to put some stuff that can make me some money like affiliate links, ads, etc.
Now, every time someone gets lost and finds himself to be visiting the 404 page, he does not only see the error message. He also sees the ads that I put, so there’s always a high possibility that the lost person will make me some money! 
How can I turn my 404 page into a money maker? This is an easy task, don’t worry. 
It will not take more than five minutes!
If you’re using WordPress, then you’re in luck! All you have to do is change your current theme’s 404 template by logging into your admin panel, going to the “Theme Editor” under the “Presentation” menu, and then finally, editing the 404 template (404.php).
If your theme doesn’t have a 404 template, just make a PHP file, name it “404.php” and upload it to your theme’s directory. Here’s a simple WordPress code that you can use for your 404 template:
<?php get_header(); ?>
<h2>Looks like you're lost...</h2>
- insert some fancy message here -
- insert some ad codes here -
<?php get_sidebar(); ?>
<?php get_footer(); ?>
Got it? Awesome!
If you’re not using WordPress, customizing your 404 page can be a bit more tedious but it’s not going to take long. First, you need to open your htaccess file using Notepad (or any other similar program). Then, add the following line to the said file:
ErrorDocument 404 /folder/404page.html
Notes: “folder” is the folder where you uploaded 404page.html. 404page.html is just a normal HTML file, so customize it until you get what you desire. Don’t forget the moneymaking links and everything! 
P.S. Do you want to take a look at The WWW Observer’s 404 page? Well then… click here!
I never would have thought about putting ads on there, but from a usability standpoint, I feel like a custom 404 is absolutely mandatory. I’m sort of shocked at the number of websites that still don’t have this. Even if you feel like you aren’t going to have guests getting 404 errors, chances are it’s going to happen and the time required to make one that facilitates the person staying on the website is minimal.
Wow. This is pure genius! A lot of visitors will find the ads to be a new place to go, making you money along the way. Thanks you for the brilliant idea.
Outstanding! Who would have thought to do this?
I didn’t even realize I could edit my 404 error file! I just opened it. It’s the standard boring message - yawn. Gotta’ grab me some Google Adsense code and place it on the page. Hmmn. I need to put on my creative hat to see what else I can do with this page . . . !
“I’m sort of shocked at the number of websites that still don’t have this.”
Yeah, me too…
Good luck with your 404 pages! I wanna see them… share them with us if you want!
Chanya: I don’t think you may put your AdSense code on your 404 pages. I think it’s against the TOS.
Tanner: Looks like you’re the top commentator as of now…
Juggler:
Thanks for the advice on Adsense - I didn’t realize that. Yikes, I need to re-read their guidelines. Don’t want to get slammed by them.
As for Tanner, it’s just temporary, heh heh.
Does anybody know why placing AdSense on error pages is against the terms of service? I’m guessing it has to do with content (and the lack thereof on 404 pages), but Google could still make money from allowing it.
Not that it matters to me, since I am forever banned from AdSense.
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This is such a great post, I have always wanted to know how you create your own 404 pages with the header and sidebars. I just realized now that you could make money too!
Thanks a lot for the info
Jason
You gave a guide to create a good 404 page. Now where is money here ?
@Meethere I think the money is in your “hands”. You put the ads there, you put affiliate links and you earn from your lost visitors.
@Jug Great post, but sadly I can’t edit 404 pages in a free Wordpress.com account. Seriously, I need my own domain…
Thanks Yuhu for the explanation. But with ads I dont want to drive-away my visitors.
Yep, Yuhu is correct.
@Meethere My pleasure
In my opinion it’s in the type of ads. If you have discreet ads, visitors will not leave your site. Put some flashy banners and they’re sure to scare your visitors away.
Would you advise some programs for flashy sites? I am ready to signup under your affiliate.
Hey, this was a cool idea man! I did not think of this before.
hmm…your 404 page looks not like a 404 page
I thought it’s just your another post 