Add Row 
Add 
Add Row 
Add Element 
Understanding the HTTP Status Codes: A Key to SEO Success
HTTP status codes play a crucial role in how search engines like Google evaluate and rank web pages. Recently, Google’s Search Relations team, during a podcast, shared insights into which status codes truly matter and which ones could be deemed irrelevant for SEO purposes. For marketers and webmasters, understanding these distinctions can significantly influence site performance.
Why HTTP Status Codes Matter
HTTP status codes effectively convey what happens when a request is made to a server. When it comes to SEO, these codes serve as indicators for Google’s crawlers, helping them navigate and assess a website’s architecture. Gary Illyes, a prominent figure at Google, highlights the importance of these codes, saying they tell a story about what occurred during a request. That said, there are categories of codes that hold weight, while others can be safely overlooked.
The 1xx Codes: Out of Focus for Google
Interestingly, Google entirely ignores the 1xx status codes, including HTTP 103, which indicates 'Early Hints.' Illyes explained that Google's crawlers simply pass through these codes without recording their significance. While early hints may improve user experience by enhancing the loading performance of pages, they do not have a direct bearing on SEO. For those optimizing their sites, the take-home lesson is clear: Focus on the response codes that matter to Google.
Deciphering Redirects: More Than Meets the Eye
Redirects can be a murky territory for many SEOs. The podcast clarified that what’s essential for Google is whether a redirect is permanent (301) or temporary (302). The perception that the specific type of redirect matters more than its permanence can often mislead webmasters. Illyes emphasized that for SEO purposes, understanding the distinctions between these redirects and ensuring they are used correctly can help maintain a website's ranking.
What About Client Errors?
The 4xx range, including familiar errors like 404 (Not Found) and 410 (Gone), remain relevant in proper crawl management. These codes indicate issues that can affect user experience and site performance. Interestingly, the podcast took a lighthearted approach to status code 418, 'I’m a teapot', which serves as an amusing reminder that not all HTTP codes bear practical significance but are part of web standards nonetheless.
Network Errors: Digging Deeper
One intriguing aspect of the podcast was the discussion on network errors that appear in Search Console, many of which arise from deeper issues outside the HTTP layer. Illyes pointed out that when encountering these tricky errors, it may require investigating underlying protocols like TCP and DNS issues. This emphasizes the need for a comprehensive examination beyond just the HTTP response codes.
Conclusion: Why Knowledge is Power in SEO
Understanding which HTTP status codes Google considers important can equip marketers and webmasters with the knowledge needed to improve site performance and visibility. By focusing on the correct use of status codes and being aware of the distinctions between permanent and temporary redirects, SEO practitioners can optimize their approaches effectively.
Write A Comment