What are the common HTTP status codes used for error responses?

This resource article is on the common HTTP status codes used for error responses. In website auditing and SEO, understanding HTTP status codes is essential for identifying and resolving issues that may negatively impact website performance, user experience, and search engine rankings. This help document aims to provide concise information and actionable tips to address HTTP status code-related issues effectively.

HTTP Status Codes Overview

HTTP status codes are three-digit numbers returned by a server in response to a client’s request. They indicate the status of the request and provide information on whether it was successful or encountered an error. Familiarity with common HTTP status codes is crucial for diagnosing and troubleshooting website problems.

Common HTTP Status Code Issues:

Let’s explore some of the most common issues or challenges related to HTTP status codes:

1. 404 Not Found: This status code indicates that the requested resource could not be found on the server. It often occurs when a URL is mistyped, a page is removed, or there are broken links within the website.
2. 500 Internal Server Error: The 500 status code indicates a server-side error. It occurs when something goes wrong on the server, and the server cannot fulfill the client’s request. This could be due to misconfigurations, coding errors, or server overload.
3. 301 Moved Permanently: When a page or resource has permanently moved to a new location, the server responds with a 301 status code. It is important to redirect the old URL to the new one using a 301 redirect to ensure search engines and users are directed to the correct location.
4. 302 Found (Moved Temporarily): Similar to a 301 redirect, a 302 status code indicates a temporary redirection. It is commonly used when a website needs to redirect users temporarily, such as during maintenance or A/B testing.
5. 403 Forbidden: When a server denies access to a requested resource, it returns a 403 status code. This can occur due to insufficient permissions, IP blocking, or other security measures.

Impact and Consequences:

Understanding the impact of HTTP status codes is crucial for maintaining a healthy website. Here are some potential consequences of the identified issues:

1. Poor User Experience: Error pages like 404 or 500 can frustrate visitors and lead to a negative user experience. Users may leave the website, resulting in higher bounce rates and lower engagement metrics.
2. Search Engine Visibility: Search engines crawl websites and encounter HTTP status codes. Frequent errors can negatively impact search engine rankings and make it harder for search engines to index and rank web pages.
3. Wasted Crawl Budget: Search engine crawlers have a limited budget allocated for each website. If significant portions of the crawl budget are wasted on error pages, it can hamper the discovery and indexing of valuable content.
4. Damaged Reputation: Consistently encountering HTTP errors can damage a website’s reputation and credibility among users and search engines.

Addressing HTTP Status Code Issues:

To address HTTP status code issues effectively, follow these actionable tips:

1. Regularly Monitor Website Health: Use website auditing tools to regularly scan for HTTP status code errors. This will help you identify and resolve issues promptly.
2. Fix Broken Links: Review your website for broken links and update or remove them. Tools like Xenu, Screaming Frog, or Google Search Console can help identify broken links.
3. Implement Proper Redirects: For permanently moved pages, use 301 redirects to ensure users and search engines are directed to the correct location. Temporary redirects should use the appropriate 302 status code.
4. Check Server Configuration: If you encounter internal server errors (500), review your server configuration and consult with your hosting provider or system administrator to address any underlying issues.
5. Review Permissions and Security Settings: If you’re facing forbidden access errors (403), double-check the permissions and security settings for the affected resources. Ensure that proper access controls are in place and that the necessary permissions are granted.
6. Create Custom Error Pages: Customize your error pages, such as the 404 page, to provide helpful information and navigation options for users who encounter errors. This can improve the overall user experience and guide them back to relevant content.
7. Monitor Search Console: Regularly check Google Search Console (or other search engine webmaster tools) for any reported HTTP status code errors. This will help you identify issues that search engines have encountered while crawling your website.
8. Track and Analyze: Utilize website analytics tools to track and analyze the performance of your error pages. Monitor metrics such as bounce rate, time on page, and exit rate to identify patterns and areas for improvement.

Conclusion:

Understanding the common HTTP status codes used for error responses is vital for conducting thorough website audits and optimizing SEO efforts. By being aware of these status codes and their implications, you can proactively address issues that may negatively impact website performance, user experience, and search engine rankings.

Remember to regularly monitor your website’s health, fix broken links, implement proper redirects, review server configuration, and pay attention to permissions and security settings. By following these best practices, you can ensure a smooth user experience, maintain search engine visibility, and preserve the reputation of your website.

Whenever you encounter, HTTP status code-related issues during your site audits, refer to this document for concise information and actionable tips to resolve them effectively. By taking prompt action to address these issues, you’ll be able to optimize your website, enhance user experience, and improve your overall SEO performance.