Is your website failing to show up in search results, or appearing lower than expected? There might be underlying technical issues hindering your website’s visibility. The good news is, these issues can be identified and addressed to improve your Google Search ranking. Let’s explore how HTTP status codes play a role in search indexing and how you can optimize your website SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for better search results.
HTTP Status Codes
When your website receives a visitor, whether it’s a person using a browser or a search engine crawler, it communicates through a system of codes. These codes, called HTTP status codes, are like messages sent back and forth. The server hosting your website generates these codes in response to the visitor’s request.
While there are many specific HTTP status codes, they often fall into categories with similar outcomes. For instance, several codes indicate that a requested page has been moved (redirection).
Search Console is a helpful tool that monitors these codes. It flags errors for codes in the 4xx and 5xx range (indicating issues on your website) and for failed redirections (3xx codes). Conversely, if the server responds with a successful 2xx code, Google may consider the retrieved content for indexing in its search results.
All HTTP response status codes fall into five types or groups. The first digit of the status code specifies the type of response, but the final two digits serve no category or classification purpose.
Here’s a breakdown of the five main status code categories:
- 1xx Informational: The server acknowledges the request and is processing it further. (e.g., 100 Continue)
- 2xx Success: The request was received, understood, and completed successfully. (e.g., 200 OK)
- 3xx Redirection: Further action is needed, such as following a redirect to a new location. (e.g., 301 Moved Permanently)
- 4xx Client Error: The request itself has an error, like a typo in the URL or missing information. (e.g., 404 Not Found)
- 5xx Server Error: The server encountered an issue preventing it from fulfilling the request. (e.g., 500 Internal Server Error)
List of HTTP Status Codes
In order to understand all the HTTP status codes in glimpse, I have prepared a chart/table of the codes. This table provides a comprehensive overview of common HTTP status codes. The first column indicates the code itself, the second column explains the category (Informational, Successful, Redirection, Client Error, or Server Error), and the third column offers a brief description of the code’s meaning. Understanding these codes is crucial for troubleshooting website issues and ensuring optimal search engine indexing.
1xx informational responses:
| Codes | Status | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | Continue | The request was received, continuing process |
| 101 | Switching Protocols | The communication has switched to a different protocol |
| 102 | Processing | This request received and is processing, no answer yet. |
| 103 | Early Hints | Sends additional information before the response body. |
2xx success:
| Codes | Status | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 200 | Ok | A standard response to successful HTTP queries. |
| 201 | Created | The request was completed, resulting in the making of a new resource |
| 202 | Accepted | The request was approved for processing, but not finished yet |
| 203 | Non-Authoritative Information | A proxy server got a 200 OK from the origin but returned a modified response |
| 204 | No Content | Request completed but return no content |
| 205 | Reset Content | Request successfully processed, asks reset document view, and return no content |
| 206 | Partial Content | Delivering only part of the resource |
| 207 | Multi-Status | Doesn’t use XML for the body & the body format depends on specific requests |
| 208 | Already Reported | This response avoids repeating information already provided |
| 226 | IM Used | Successfully processed your request and is delivering the content you asked for |
3xx redirection:
| Codes | Status | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | Multiple Choices | The server has a few choices for what to send back, and it lets the browser pick the best one |
| 301 | Moved Permanently | This and every future requests should be directed to the provided URI |
| 302 | Found | Moved temporarily – and tells the client to look at another URL |
| 303 | See Other | Moved to a new location. You can access it using a GET request to this new URI |
| 304 | Not Modified | The resource has not been modified since the version specified by the request headers |
| 305 | Use Proxy | Requested resource is available only using a proxy |
| 306 | Switch Proxy | No longer in use. Originally meant: “Subsequent queries should use the specified proxy” |
| 307 | Temporary Redirect | The request should be replayed with an alternate URI temporarily |
| 308 | Permanent Redirect | This and all next ones should go to the specified URI |
4xx client errors:
| Codes | Status | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 400 | Bad Request | Your request encountered an error (e.g., incorrect format, too large, or invalid) |
| 401 | Unauthorized | Unlike 403 Forbidden, its access is denied because you haven’t proven who you are |
| 402 | Payment Required | Reserved for future use. It was envisioned for digital payments but remains unused |
| 403 | Forbidden | Request contain valid data, which the server understood, but it is refusing to take action |
| 404 | Not Found | Requested resource was not found, but it may be accessible in the future |
| 405 | Method Not Allowed | A request method is not supported for the requested resource |
| 406 | Not Acceptable | This content isn’t compatible with your request settings. Try adjusting your settings to view it |
| 407 | Proxy Authentication Required | the request has not been applied because it lacks valid authentication credentials for a proxy server |
| 408 | Request Timeout | Your request timed out, but don’t worry! Just try again |
| 409 | Conflict | The request could not be processed because of conflict in the current state of the resource |
| 410 | Gone | This content is no longer available and will not be available again |
| 411 | Length Required | The resource needs the length of the content; was not specified in the request |
| 412 | Precondition Failed | Your request included specific requirements (preconditions) that the server cannot fulfill. |
| 413 | Payload Too Large | The request is greater than the server’s readiness or ability to process. Previously known as “Request Entity Too Large”. |
| 414 | URI Too Long | The URI you gave was too lengthy for the server to parse. |
| 415 | Unsupported Media Type | The file format you sent isn’t supported by the server. Try using a different format. |
| 416 | Range Not Satisfiable | The requested content isn’t available (like trying to download past the end of a file). |
| 417 | Expectation Failed | Server cannot meet the requirements of the expected request-header field |
| 418 | I’m a teapot | This code appeared in RFC 2324 (1998) as an April Fools’ joke! It’s not meant for real servers |
| 421 | Misdirected Request | The request reached a server that can’t handle it (e.g., due to connection sharing) |
| 422 | Unprocessable Content | Understood the request, but couldn’t complete it |
| 423 | Locked | The resource being accessed is locked |
| 424 | Failed Dependency | Action failed due to a previous error |
| 425 | Too Early | Server refuses replay |
| 426 | Upgrade Required | Upgrade required: secure connection needed |
| 428 | Precondition Required | This code ensures data stays up-to-date by preventing conflicts |
| 429 | Too Many Requests | This indicates the user has bombarded the server with requests too quickly. |
| 431 | Request Header Fields Too Large | The server can’t handle the amount of data sent in the request. |
| 451 | Unavailable For Legal Reasons | The resource is unavailable due to legal reasons |
5xx server errors:
| Codes | Status | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | Internal Server Error | Unexpected error; something went wrong |
| 501 | Not Implemented | The server doesn’t understand or can’t handle your request |
| 502 | Bad Gateway | The connection between servers was interrupted |
| 503 | Service Unavailable | We’re currently experiencing technical difficulties |
| 504 | Gateway Timeout | Connection timeout. The server couldn’t reach another server in time |
| 505 | HTTP Version Not Supported | Update your browser to use a newer version of HTTP |
| 506 | Variant Also Negotiates | Negotiation to determine content type has caused an endless loop |
| 507 | Insufficient Storage | Storage full. Server can’t store data |
| 508 | Loop Detected | Detected an infinite loop while processing the request |
| 510 | Not Extended | The request needs more information for the server to process it |
| 511 | Network Authentication Required | Need authentication to gain network access |
How Status Codes Affect Search Engine Rankings
Imagine the internet as a bustling marketplace. Shopkeepers (websites) receive requests from customers (search engines) looking for specific products (information). But just like in any store, smooth communication is key to a successful transaction, and that’s where HTTP status codes come in. These codes are like secret messages exchanged between web servers and search engines, determining how well your store ranks and how easily customers can find you.
1. 1xx Informational Codes Explanation with Example
Let’s say a customer walks into your store (sends a request) and you greet them with a friendly “Hi there, we’re processing your request!” (100 Continue code). These HTTP Status Codes tells search engines the website is acknowledging their request and getting ready to serve up the information. While it doesn’t guarantee a sale (indexing), it’s a good first impression.
2. 2xx Success Codes Explanation with Example
The customer asks for a specific item (webpage), and you happily present it (200 OK code). This is the golden ticket – search engines understand the website is functioning well and the requested information is available. These HTTP Status Codes increase the chances of your store appearing high in search results, just like having a well-stocked shelf attracts customers.
3. 3xx Redirection Codes Explanation with Example
Sometimes, your store relocates, but you don’t want to lose customers (website content gets moved). You politely inform them of the new address (301 Moved Permanently code). Similarly, These HTTP Status Codes tell search engines that the requested page has moved to a new location. If done correctly (using 301 redirects), search engines update their records and ensure customers (searchers) find the information at the new address, maintaining your ranking.
4. 4xx Client Error Codes Explanation with Example
Imagine a customer comes in with a gibberish shopping list (a broken link or misspelled URL). You can’t find anything they’re asking for (404 Not Found code). These HTTP Status Codes signal errors on the user’s end (website itself), like broken links or incorrect information. Frequent 4xx errors can confuse search engines and make it harder for them to crawl and understand your website, potentially hurting your ranking.
5. 5xx Server Error Codes Explanation with Example
The lights are out, and the store is closed (server malfunction). Customers can’t get in, and no transactions happen (500 Internal Server Error code). These HTTP Status Codes indicate issues on the website’s server, preventing search engines from accessing the information. Persistent 5xx errors make your website appear unreliable, potentially leading to a drop in ranking.
By understanding these status codes, you can ensure your website communicates clearly with search engines, keeping your virtual storefront open for business and attracting more customers (search traffic) to your online marketplace.
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