An HTTP status code consists of three digits and begins with 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, with each digit representing a different status class. Each time a website is accessed impact on SEO, a request and a response are exchanged between the client (e.g., browser) and the server. A status code provides information about the status of a website and feedback to the client. After the request has been sent by the client, it receives a response consisting of a header and body. The body consists of the content displayed on the website. The header, on the other hand, consists of an HTTP status code.
These codes are then used by the client to interpret the server’s response. Based on these transmitted codes, the client decides whether to display content or follow a redirect.
What impact do HTTP status codes have on SEO?
HTTP status codes are important not only for the client and server, but also for SEO. A 301 redirect, for example, can be particularly useful for duplicate content . Targeted redirects allow duplicate content to be avoided.
A 410 status code, on the other hand, can whatsapp number database be used to inform search engines that the page has been permanently removed. Google crawlers will then no longer consider the link and remove the page from the index. This code is particularly useful for selectively removing specific URLs and their associated content from the index.
In addition, server error codes like 500 provide important information about the server. For example, if something went wrong with a new server configuration and the server is therefore unavailable for an extended period of time, this can negatively impact your search rankings.
HTTP status codes are therefore particularly important in the area of SEO and should be used and understood correctly. To learn more about this topic, we will take a closer look at the different status classes and SEO-relevant codes in the following section.
The different status classes
There are five different status classes. They are identified by the first digit and each serves a specific purpose.
- Status class 1XX – Informational : Information from the server to inform the client that the request is being processed.
- Status class 2XX – Successful : The request was successful and search engines like Google consider the content for indexing.
- Status class 3XX – Redirection : The original address is redirected to a new address.
- Status Class 4XX – Client Error : The client’s requests were corrupted. The page cannot be found or access is denied.
- Status class 5XX – Server Errors : All errors that can be traced back to the server, such as when the client cannot connect to the server.
Status Code 1XX – Informative
The 1XX status class is a response returned by the server. This response is sent once a request has been received and understood. With this type of HTTP first input delay (fid) – attention: fid has been replaced by inp status code, no content is generated or returned; it simply provides information about the progress of the request.
HTTP 100 Continue
The server has received the request from the client. Everything australia database directory is OK, and the client can proceed with its request.
HTTP 103 Processing (in progress)
This code informs the client that the server has received the request and is now processing it. This signals the client to wait a bit longer to avoid a timeout.