When managing a website, particularly for SEO purposes, it’s essential to understand HTTP status codes. These codes are responses sent by the server when a browser requests a webpage. For those new to SEO, here’s a guide to the most common status codes you’re likely to encounter.
200: OK
The 200 status code is what you want to see the most. It means that everything is working as expected and the server successfully delivered the requested webpage. From an SEO perspective, this status signals that your page is accessible and search engines can crawl it without issues.
301: Moved Permanently
A 301 status code indicates that a page has been permanently moved to a new URL. This is crucial in SEO when you change the URL of a page but still want to retain the SEO value of the original. Search engines will transfer the ranking signals from the old URL to the new one. It's commonly used for website migrations or when reorganising content.
302: Found (Temporary Redirect)
The 302 status code is similar to 301 but indicates a temporary redirect. This tells search engines that the redirect is temporary, and they shouldn’t update their index to the new URL. It’s best to use this only when a page will be temporarily unavailable, as it doesn’t transfer SEO value in the same way a 301 redirect does.
404: Not Found
The 404 status code is shown when a page can’t be found. This can happen if a page has been deleted or the URL was entered incorrectly. A 404 error isn't ideal for SEO as it can lead to a poor user experience and search engines may downgrade your site if there are too many of them. It’s recommended to set up a custom 404 page that helps guide users back to the main content, while also using tools like Google Search Console to fix or redirect broken links.
410: Gone
A 410 status code tells search engines that a page has been permanently removed and will not be returning. Unlike a 404, which suggests the page may come back, a 410 definitively indicates the page is gone forever. This can be useful for managing old content that is no longer relevant but should be handled carefully to avoid losing valuable SEO traffic.
500: Internal Server Error
The 500 status code signals that something went wrong on the server, preventing the webpage from being displayed. This can be problematic for both users and search engines. Regular 500 errors can harm your site's SEO, as search engines may stop crawling your site if they frequently encounter this issue. Addressing server errors quickly is essential to maintain your SEO health.
503: Service Unavailable
A 503 status code indicates that the server is temporarily unable to handle the request, often due to maintenance or overload. This status is preferable to a 500 error if you know your site will be down for a short period. It signals to search engines that they should come back later, preserving your SEO ranking in the meantime.
Understanding HTTP status codes is fundamental for SEO, as they affect how search engines interact with your site. Whether you’re managing redirects, fixing broken links, or troubleshooting server issues, knowing how to interpret and act on these codes is key to maintaining a healthy and SEO-friendly website.
Pixie Commerce Can Help!
If you’re unsure about handling status codes or how they impact your site’s SEO, our team at Pixie Commerce is here to help. We offer expert guidance on everything from fixing errors to managing redirects, ensuring your website remains optimised for search engines.