Configuring 404 Page Behavior

When a visitor tries to access a page that does not exist, your store will display a 404 page (Page not found). This can happen when a URL is incorrect, outdated, or has been removed. SHOPLINE allows you to control how your store responds in these situations, helping you improve user experience and reduce the impact of broken links.

This guide explains how 404 page behavior works and how to configure it based on your store’s needs.

When to Configure 404 Behavior

You may want to adjust your 404 settings in the following situations:

• You have removed or unpublished pages.
• Visitors frequently land on broken or outdated links.
• You want to guide visitors back to active pages instead of showing an error page.
• You are optimizing the browsing experience for better conversion.

Understanding 404 Page Behavior Options

In the Settings > Domains section, you can choose how your store handles non-existent pages.

Stay on the 404 Page (Default)

When this option is selected:

• Visitors will see a standard 404 (Page not found) message
• The original URL remains unchanged
• Visitors can decide where to navigate next

This option is recommended when:

• You want to clearly indicate that the page no longer exists
• You rely on users to navigate manually

Auto-redirect to Homepage

When this option is selected:

• Visitors will be automatically redirected to your store’s homepage
• The original URL will not be shown after redirection
• Visitors are guided back into your store flow

This option is useful when:

• You want to minimize friction from broken links
• You prefer to retain traffic instead of showing an error page

Configuring 404 Page Behavior

To update your 404 settings:

1. From your SHOPLINE admin, go to Settings > Domains.

2. Locate the 404 page not found section, click the dropdown menu, and select one of the following options:

   • Stay on the 404 not found page
   • Auto-redirect URL to homepage

   

3. The setting will be applied immediately.

How 404 Behavior Works with Redirects

• If a URL has a configured 301 redirect, the redirect will take priority.
• The 404 behavior applies only when no redirect rule exists.
• This ensures that important URL changes are handled correctly before fallback behavior is triggered.

Best Practices for Configuring 404 Page Behavior

• Use 301 redirects for important or high-traffic pages instead of relying on 404 handling.
• Redirect deleted product or campaign pages to relevant alternatives when possible.
• Use homepage redirection carefully, as it may confuse users expecting specific content.
• Periodically review broken links and update redirects accordingly.