Status code

A status code is a three-digit number that a web server sends back to a browser or other client after a request is made. It tells the client whether the request was successful or if there was an issue. Status codes are part of the HTTP protocol and are essential for understanding how websites and servers communicate.

How Do Status Codes Work?

1. User Makes a Request:
   For example, when you click on a link or type a web address in your browser.
2. Server Processes the Request:
   The web server receives the request and processes it.
3. Server Sends a Status Code:
   The server responds with a status code to let the browser know the result of the request.

Types of Status Codes

Status codes are grouped into five categories based on their first digit:

• 1xx – Informational:
  The server is processing the request and will send more information.
  • Example: 100 Continue
• 2xx – Success:
  The request was successfully processed by the server.
  • Example: 200 OK (The most common code, indicating success.)
• 3xx – Redirection:
  The requested content is not available at the original location and has been moved elsewhere.
  • Example: 301 Moved Permanently (Used for permanent redirects.)
• 4xx – Client Errors:
  There was a problem with the request made by the browser or client.
  • Example: 404 Not Found (The requested page doesn’t exist.)
• 5xx – Server Errors:
  The server encountered an error while trying to process the request.
  • Example: 500 Internal Server Error

Why Are Status Codes Important for SEO?

1. Help Search Engines Crawl Websites:
   Status codes tell search engines if a page is working or if it has been moved, helping them index content correctly.
2. Identify Issues:
   Codes like 404 or 500 can signal problems that need fixing to avoid negative impacts on user experience and search rankings.
3. Redirects and Link Equity:
   Proper use of 301 redirects helps retain link equity when moving content to a new URL.

How to Check Status Codes

1. Use Browser Tools:
   Many browsers have developer tools that show status codes.
2. Use Online Tools:
   Websites like WooRank or Moz offer tools to check status codes for your pages.
3. SEO Plugins and Tools:
   Tools like Screaming Frog can help check multiple pages at once for status codes.

A status code is a response from a web server that tells the browser or client the result of their request. These codes are essential for understanding how websites function, fixing errors, and ensuring a good user experience.