If you're experiencing a 404 error on your Webflow collection pages even though you have properly built out and linked the template page to the fields, there could be a few potential reasons for this issue. Let's explore some possible solutions:
1. Check the Collection settings: Ensure that the collection page is correctly linked to the template page in the Collection settings. Go to your collection in the Webflow Designer, click on "Collection settings" in the right-hand panel, and make sure the "Collection page" option is set to your desired template page.
2. Verify the Template page structure: Ensure that the template page has the correct structure and elements to display the collection data properly. Double-check that you have all the necessary dynamic elements connected to the corresponding collection fields. Ensure that any collection lists or dynamic lists are properly configured and nested within the template.
3. Publish your site: It's crucial to publish your site and recheck if the issue persists. Sometimes, changes made to the template or collection settings might not reflect on the published site until it's republished. Go to the Designer and click on the "Publish" button in the top-right corner to push any recent changes live.
4. Check your URLs and slugs: It's possible that the URLs or slugs associated with your collection pages are causing the 404 error. Make sure the URL structure is correctly designed and corresponds to the collection's URL settings. Review the slugs for individual collection items and check if they match the expected URL structure.
5. Confirm Collection item visibility: Ensure that the collection items you are trying to display are published and visible. If a collection item is set to "Draft" status or not published, it won't be visible on the live site, resulting in a 404 error.
6. Examine your site's navigation: If your collection pages are linked within your site's navigation or in any internal links, check that the URLs are correctly pointing to the collection pages. Incorrectly linked navigation items or broken internal links can lead to 404 errors.
7. Server-related issues: Although rare, there could be server-related issues causing the 404 error. To eliminate this possibility, try republishing your site or contacting Webflow support for further assistance.
If none of these solutions resolve the issue, it might be helpful to provide more specific details about your setup, including screenshots or a live link to your Webflow project. With more information, the Webflow community or support team can better assist you in troubleshooting the problem.