Just wondering if there is an easy fix for the problem of a “404 page not found” page showing after a customer sees a product on google search that they wish to buy, and clicks the link to the product which has since sold out on the website and has been archived. Even though there is a “continue shopping” button on the 404 page, customers seem to exit the website rather than continue to look. I gather they see the 404 and leave immediately without even noticing the button… I am wondering if there is a way for the customer to not access these sold products while searching within the website, but have the product page showing it is sold out - only accessable via the google link. Or is there an easier way? I do not want loads of “sold out” product pages on my website whilst the customers are browsing, as that is not good from a retailers point of view. Hoping someone can help with an alternative solution, cheers
There are a few options you can consider to improve the user experience when a customer lands on a 404 page after clicking a Google link to a sold-out product on your website.
One solution would be to set up a custom redirect that sends users who click on the sold-out product link to a different page on your website, such as a collection page that shows similar products or a dedicated sold-out product page that lists all your sold-out products. This way, customers will still be able to find products they are interested in, even if they are sold out.
Another solution would be to use an app like “404 Page by URL Detective” or “SEO 404, 301 Redirect Manager” to create custom 404 pages that provide helpful information and options for customers who land on them. You can use these apps to add links to related products, collections, or pages, or provide a search bar that helps customers find what they are looking for.
Additionally, you can consider optimizing your product pages to provide more information about product availability, such as adding a “sold-out” badge or an estimated restock date, so customers are aware of the availability of the products they are interested in.
Overall, implementing one or more of these solutions can help improve the user experience for customers who land on a 404 page after clicking a Google link to a sold-out product on your Shopify website.