The other day I wrote on how to manage your visitors with custom 404 error pages but due to lack of time I was not able to give you proper inspiration on how to create better pages.

Well in order to create a creative 404 error page just keep these things in mind and I’m that you’ll pop out with an idea for a cool looking 404 Error page..

• First Off Be Visual

First impression is the best impression and trust me this works even in the virtual WEB 2.0 world. Create a page with some visual images and style that should make a visotr leave his mouth open. In short, use creative images.

• Use Your Freedom Of Speech

Though your visitors will love the visual look of your page, it is really awkward if you leave them clueless with just images. So I suggest you to use catchy words and phrases to let your visitors know that this is not the right place in, in a creative way. After all everyone loves humor.

• This is WEB2.0 Socialize yourself

By socializing your page, I mean you to let your visitors communicate with you directly via website or through email to let you know what the problem is and what can you do to help them out. Also don’t let the communication go one sided, make sure you respond your visitors, as you know Happy Visitors = Happy Earnings !!

• Explain the situation

Try to explain the visitors what really happened as for what I know, all surfers are know geeks like you and me More than only explaining them you can offer them with alternative content to pull them back from leaving..

Just keep this things in mind and you come up with a pretty cool 404 error Page. Here are links to some more examples and hints from smashingmagazine
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2007/08/17/404-error-pages-reloaded/
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2007/07/25/wanted-your-404-error-pages/