+45 53 83 87 01Client errors, denoted by the 4xx category of status codes, are HTTP response messages that indicate issues originating from the client side (i.e., the user’s web browser or device) which prevent the server from fulfilling the request. The server is otherwise operational and ready to handle other requests.
Common 4xx Status Codes:
- 400 Bad Request: The server cannot process the request due to a client error, such as malformed request syntax or size too large.
- 401 Unauthorized: Access to the requested resource requires authentication, and either the credentials were not provided or are invalid.
- 403 Forbidden: The server understands the request but refuses to authorize it, often due to lack of permission to access the resource.
- 404 Not Found: The server cannot find the requested resource; this is often encountered when a page has been deleted or the URL has been mistyped.
- 408 Request Timeout: The server timed out waiting for the rest of the request from the client.
- 410 Gone: Similar to 404, but indicates that the resource was intentionally removed and will not be available again.
SEO implications:
Client errors, particularly 404 and 410 status codes, are inevitable as websites evolve. However, excessive client errors can negatively impact a website’s SEO performance. Search engines interpret these errors to mean a poor user experience, which can lower the website’s ranking. Regular monitoring and correction of these errors are essential for maintaining SEO health.
Best practices:
- Use 301 redirects to guide users and search engines to the correct page when the URL structure changes.
- Custom design 404 pages to include a search box and links to popular or related content to improve user experience.
- Regularly audit your website to identify and fix broken links that result in client errors.
- Employ tools like Google Search Console to detect and address client error pages that may be linked from external sources.
Monitor client errors as part of your ongoing website maintenance, and address them promptly to prevent detrimental effects on your SEO efforts.
