HTTP status codes play a critical role in the communication between web browsers and servers. These codes, often unnoticed by casual users, provide vital information about the success or failure of web requests. For website owners and SEO professionals, understanding these codes is crucial. They influence search engine performance, user experience, and even the visibility of a website. In this blog, we’ll delve into what HTTP status codes are, their categories, and why they matter for SEO success.
HTTP status codes are three-digit numbers that servers return in response to a browser’s request. These codes indicate the status of the requested resource and guide the browser on what action to take next.
For example, when you visit a website, the server typically returns a 200 OK status code, meaning the request was successful. Conversely, a 404 Not Found code indicates that the requested page doesn’t exist.
HTTP status codes are grouped into five categories, each serving a distinct purpose:
1xx Informational: The request was received and is being processed.
2xx Success: The request was successfully processed.
3xx Redirection: Additional actions are required to complete the request.
4xx Client Errors: The request was invalid or couldn’t be processed by the server.
5xx Server Errors: The server failed to fulfill a valid request.
These codes indicate that the request has been received and understood but requires further processing. They are rarely relevant for SEO.
200 OK
This is the most common status code and signifies that the request was successfully processed.
For SEO, a 200 OK ensures that search engines can crawl and index pages effectively.
201 Created
Indicates successful resource creation, commonly used for APIs.
Redirection codes inform browsers that the requested resource has moved to a different location.
301 Moved Permanently
This is essential for SEO when permanently redirecting a page to a new URL.
Proper 301 redirects preserve link equity (ranking power).
302 Found (Temporary Redirect)
Used for temporary redirection but should not be used for permanent URL changes as it doesn’t transfer link equity.
307 Temporary Redirect and 308 Permanent Redirect
Modern alternatives to 302 and 301, offering stricter redirect behavior.
Client error codes indicate issues with the request, often due to user or browser errors.
404 Not Found
Commonly occurs when a page doesn’t exist or has been deleted.
Too many 404 errors can waste crawl budgets and frustrate users.
403 Forbidden
Indicates restricted access to a resource.
Server error codes signal issues with the server.
500 Internal Server Error
A generic error indicating that something went wrong on the server.
503 Service Unavailable
Used when the server is temporarily overloaded or undergoing maintenance.
Important to use a Retry-After header to guide crawlers.
Search engine bots rely on status codes to understand a website’s structure and health. Proper responses, like 200 OK, help bots crawl efficiently, while errors, like 404 or 500, can prevent indexing.
Status codes directly affect user experience. A site riddled with errors will see higher bounce rates, which can negatively impact rankings.
Using the correct redirection codes, such as 301, ensures that link equity is preserved during URL changes. Improper use of redirects, such as chains or loops, can dilute ranking power and harm SEO.
Regularly checking status codes ensures your website remains healthy and performs optimally in search results.
Using 302 Instead of 301 for Permanent Redirects: This mistake leads to loss of link equity.
Ignoring 404 Errors: Unresolved 404 errors waste crawl budgets and create a poor user experience.
Allowing Redirect Chains: Too many redirects can slow down page loading and confuse crawlers.
Not Resolving 5xx Errors Promptly: Server errors indicate instability and can harm your rankings if not fixed quickly.
Google Search Console: Identifies crawling and indexing issues.
Screaming Frog SEO Spider: Audits HTTP status codes across a website.
Ahrefs and SEMrush: Highlight broken links and errors.
Browser Developer Tools: Quick checks for individual pages.
Implement Redirects Correctly: Use 301 for permanent moves and 302 only for temporary redirections.
Create Custom 404 Pages: A helpful 404 page can guide users to other parts of your site.
Monitor Server Health: Regularly check for and resolve 5xx errors.
Conduct Regular Audits: Use tools like Screaming Frog to ensure status codes are optimized.
HTTP status codes may seem technical, but their impact on SEO is undeniable. From ensuring smooth crawling to enhancing user experience, managing these codes effectively is crucial for SEO success. Regular audits, proper redirections, and swift error resolution will keep your site healthy and optimized.
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