HTTP Status Code Checker

Complete Guide to HTTP Status Codes and SEO

HTTP status codes are three-digit responses that web servers return to indicate the outcome of a client request. Understanding these codes is essential for web developers, SEO professionals, and system administrators. Each code category serves a specific purpose in web communication.

For SEO, status codes directly impact how search engines crawl and index your website. Incorrect status codes can lead to lost rankings, poor user experience, and wasted crawl budget. This reference guide covers all common status codes with their SEO implications.

Status Code Categories Explained

1xx codes indicate informational responses—the request was received and processing continues. 2xx codes signal success—the request was successfully received and processed. 3xx codes indicate redirections—additional action is needed to complete the request. 4xx codes are client errors—the request contains errors. 5xx codes are server errors—the server failed to fulfill a valid request.

Critical Status Codes for SEO

The most important codes for SEO are: 200 (OK) for successful page loads, 301 (Permanent Redirect) for URL migrations, 404 (Not Found) for deleted content, and 503 (Service Unavailable) for temporary maintenance. Proper implementation of these codes ensures search engines correctly understand your site structure.

301 vs 302 Redirects

301 redirects transfer ranking power (link equity) to the new URL and signal permanent moves. 302 redirects indicate temporary changes and don't pass full ranking power. Always use 301 for permanent URL changes, site migrations, or consolidating duplicate content.

Handling 404 Errors

404 errors occur when resources don't exist. While some 404s are normal, excessive errors waste crawl budget and hurt user experience. Monitor 404s in Search Console, redirect important broken URLs, and create helpful custom 404 pages.

Server Errors and Crawling

5xx errors indicate server problems that prevent crawling. Frequent 5xx errors cause search engines to reduce crawl rate and may impact rankings. Use 503 with Retry-After headers during planned maintenance to minimize SEO impact.