A while ago, I wrote about how our out-of-office reply won some new business. A nice little story and, more importantly, proof that the words you choose matter, wherever those words are. Well, a similar thing happened with a new business enquiry last week, courtesy of our 404 error page.
404 101: Even an error can become an opportunity.
I don’t really remember writing the copy for our 404 page. I just remember that, in the hurry to get our then-new website up and running, I decided to have a bit of fun with it.
As it turned out, a prospective client enjoyed it too. So much so, they got in touch.
Proof that your website is your salesperson.
Even your 404 page.
The client explained what they needed and, sadly, we were too busy to meet their (by their own admission) incredibly tight deadline. I apologised and asked if they had any other copywriters in mind, to which the prospective client said:
“You were my first (and only) enquiry, primarily due to your 404 Error page…”
So, while it was a shame we were unable to help, it was also nice to know that our 404 page had done its job. Well done, 404 page.
Take a look at our 404 error message and let us know what you think. And if you’d like some help putting a razor-sharp edge on your messaging and copywriting, please get in touch.