HTTP status codes, also known as response status codes, describe the result of a request to a web server made by users or search engines on a web page. These codes are like a website’s way of letting you know if everything’s working smoothly or if there’s a problem.
In this short guide, the team at Drupfan explains the meaning hidden behind each HTTP status code.
Status codes are represented by three numbers beginning with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. From 100s to 500s, HTTP response codes are divided into the following categories:
Each HTTP status code has its subcategories.
Codes from 300s to 500s hurt your website’s SEO. Let’s review the effect of these codes on search engine optimization in more detail.
This HTTP status code means that the requested page has been permanently moved to a new URL, requiring an extra step to reach the correct page. On your website, you should regularly review and update links to ensure they return a 200 (success) response. Too many redirects can slow down load times and hurt your SEO by making it harder for search engines to crawl your site efficiently.
A 302 status code means the server temporarily redirects a request to a different page while still expecting the original URL to be used for future requests. This approach isn’t ideal because it doesn’t clearly tell search engines that the page has permanently moved. As a result, search engines treat it as a temporary fix, which prevents link equity from being passed along and can negatively impact your SEO.
This HTTP status code indicates that the server didn’t find the requested URL. This issue might be temporary or permanent. For SEO, frequent 404 errors can hurt your website’s rankings, as they create a poor user experience and signal to search engines that your site isn’t well-maintained. Search engines might crawl your site less efficiently and view the affected pages as less valuable, which can hurt your site’s overall authority.
410 status code indicated that the requested URL was permanently deleted from the server, with no new redirecting address. As 404 codes, 410 are bad for SEO because they create a dead end for both users and search engines.
A 503 status code means the server can’t handle a request right now, usually because it’s overloaded or the site is temporarily down for maintenance. This code is meant to let search engines know the issue is only temporary and they should come back later.
However, if a 503 status lasts too long or happens too often, it can be bad for SEO. Search engines might stop crawling your site as frequently, and visitors could get frustrated and leave, which can hurt your rankings over time.
Don’t let errors in HTTP status codes drag down your SEO or frustrate users. Partner with Drupfan and we will make sure your site is running smoothly with only 200 response codes. From fixing broken links to optimizing on-page 300s redirects, we have you covered.
Contact us today to build an error-free status code experience for your users and search engines.
