Status codes tell browsers and bots the result of a page request. 301 = permanent redirect, 404 = not found. Use 301 for moved content and fix persistent 404s to avoid poor UX and indexing problems.
Understanding HTTP Status Codes in SEO
HTTP status codes are essential for website management and SEO. When a browser or search engine requests a page, the server responds with a status code indicating whether the request was successful, redirected, or encountered an error. Common examples include 200 (OK), 301 (permanent redirect), 302 (temporary redirect), and 404 (page not found).
Correct use of status codes ensures search engines index the right content, users navigate seamlessly, and websites maintain authority and visibility.
HTTP Status Codes Across CMS Platforms
WordPress
WordPress handles status codes automatically for most scenarios. Themes and plugins can manage 404 pages, custom redirects, and SEO-friendly response codes. Proper configuration ensures broken links are redirected, preserving link equity.
Shopify
Shopify automatically manages status codes for product and collection pages. However, for deleted products or updated URLs, manual 301 redirects prevent 404 errors and maintain SEO authority.
Wix
Wix provides built-in 404 pages and redirect tools. Correct use ensures users are guided to active content, and search engines recognize updated URLs without losing ranking signals.
Webflow
Webflow allows control over 301 redirects and custom 404 pages. Proper implementation supports SEO by signaling search engines about removed, moved, or updated content efficiently.
Custom CMS
Custom CMS platforms require careful implementation of status codes. A misconfigured 404 or redirect can lead to crawl errors, duplicate content issues, or ranking losses. Monitoring and updating status codes is essential for SEO performance.
HTTP Status Codes Across Industries
Ecommerce
Ecommerce websites benefit from proper 301 redirects for moved products and 404 pages for deleted items. Correct HTTP codes preserve link equity and ensure customers reach active product pages.
Local Businesses
Local business websites need accurate status codes for service pages, contact forms, and event updates. A well-handled 404 page can retain user trust, while redirects maintain local SEO authority.
SaaS
SaaS platforms often update features or documentation pages. Using correct 301 redirects and avoiding soft 404s ensures users and search engines are guided to current resources without losing ranking signals.
Blogs
Blogs must manage deleted articles or outdated content using proper 301 redirects or customized 404 pages. This helps maintain link equity, user engagement, and search engine trust.
Do’s & Don’ts / Best Practices
Managing HTTP status codes is crucial for SEO and user experience.
Do’s
-
Use 301 redirects for permanently moved pages.
-
Maintain custom 404 pages that guide users back to active content.
-
Monitor server logs and Google Search Console for crawl errors.
-
Implement 302 redirects only for temporary changes.
-
Ensure all important pages return a 200 OK status for proper indexing.
Don’ts
-
Don’t ignore broken links or 404 errors.
-
Don’t use 302 redirects for permanent URL changes.
-
Don’t create soft 404s by showing content on error pages.
-
Don’t allow excessive redirect chains, which slow crawling and UX.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common mistakes include leaving broken links unaddressed, misusing 302 redirects, or serving incorrect status codes that confuse search engines. Soft 404s, where a page displays content but returns a 200 status, are particularly harmful because they prevent proper indexing and can waste crawl budget. Properly monitoring, auditing, and managing HTTP status codes ensures SEO value is preserved and user experience is optimized.
FAQs
What is an HTTP status code?
An HTTP status code is a three-digit number sent by a web server to indicate the result of a client’s request. These codes help browsers and search engines understand how to handle a page—whether it’s available, has moved, or encountered an error.
What does a 301 status code mean?
A 301 status code indicates that a page has been permanently moved to a new URL. This redirect passes most of the original page’s SEO value to the new one, making it ideal for preserving rankings during site migrations or URL changes.
What does a 404 status code mean?
A 404 status code means the requested page could not be found on the server. This can occur if the page was deleted, the URL was mistyped, or the page was moved without a proper redirect.
How do 301 and 404 codes affect SEO?
A 301 redirect helps maintain SEO value by passing link equity to the new page. A 404 error, if frequent, can harm SEO by signaling to search engines that your site has broken links or missing content.
How can I manage 404 errors?
To manage 404 errors, regularly audit your site for broken links. For high-traffic 404 pages, implement 301 redirects to relevant content. For pages that no longer exist, ensure they return a 404 or 410 status code to inform search engines not to index them.
