HTTP Status Codes (301, 302, 404, 410)

HTTP Status Codes are numeric codes returned by a server in response to a browser’s request. They help determine whether a request was successful, if a page exists, and what to do next (e.g., go to a new address or display an error).

For SEO and technical optimization, the most important codes are 301, 302, 404, and 410.

What are HTTP Status Codes?

When a browser or search engine robot requests a site page, the server responds not only with content but also with a status code. This code indicates how the server processed the request:

• page found,
• page moved,
• page temporarily unavailable,
• or page no longer exists.

These codes are critical for SEO, as they affect indexing, redirection, and a site’s visibility in search.

Main HTTP Code Categories

301 Redirect — Permanent Redirect

301 Moved Permanently means a page has permanently moved to a new URL.

Search engines:

• Redirect users to the new address.
• Transfer most of the SEO value (link equity, up to ~100%) from the old page to the new one.
• Replace the old address in the index with the new one.

Usage Example:

• When changing a site’s structure (e.g., /about-us → /about/).
• When switching from http → https.
• When merging several pages into one.

Configuration Example (Apache):

text

Redirect 301 /old-page https://example.com/new-page

Important: A 301 redirect is permanent. Use it if the page will not return to its old address.

302 Redirect — Temporary Redirect

302 Found (or Temporary Redirect) indicates a page has been temporarily moved.

Search engines:

• Do not fully transfer SEO value (they assume the original will return).
• Do not replace the old URL in the index.
• Use the temporary redirect only to send users to the new location.

Usage Example:

• During temporary content updates.
• For seasonal promotions.
• For A/B testing of pages.

Configuration Example:

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Redirect 302 /promo https://example.com/summer-sale

Tip: If a page has moved permanently, always use 301, not 302. Otherwise, search engines will continue to index the old URL.

404 Not Found — Page Not Found

404 Not Found means the server could not find the requested page. This is one of the most common errors on the internet.

Causes:

• The page was deleted.
• A typo in the URL.
• A broken internal link.
• An old address after a site redesign.

SEO Recommendations:

• Pages with a 404 error should not be indexed.
• Set up a custom 404 page with a clear message, navigation, and links to important site sections.
• If a page was deleted permanently, consider using 410 Gone instead of 404.
• Do not redirect all 404 pages to the homepage—this is considered a bad practice.

Example of a custom 404 page:

text

“Sorry, the page could not be found.

Try going to the homepage or use the site search.”

410 Gone — Page Deleted Permanently

410 Gone signals that a page has been intentionally and permanently removed. It is a more precise signal for search engines than 404: they understand the page will not return and should remove it from the index faster.

Used when:

• Content is deleted with no replacement.
• Outdated pages are no longer needed.
• Temporary promotions, old products, or posts are removed.

Configuration Example (Apache):

text

Redirect 410 /old-content

Difference between 404 and 410:

How to Check HTTP Status Codes for Pages

Tools:

• Google Search Console → Pages → Indexing Status
• Yandex Webmaster → Diagnostics
• Screaming Frog SEO Spider / Netpeak Spider — bulk status code checking
• Browser Developer Tools (Network tab)

Common Mistakes When Working with Status Codes

• Using 302 instead of 301 during a site migration.
• Creating redirect chains (e.g., 301 → 302 → 301).
• Returning 200 OK for a page that is actually deleted (should be 404/410).
• Mass-redirecting all 404 errors to the homepage.
• Lacking a custom 404 page—users and robots get lost.

Conclusion

HTTP status codes help search engines and users understand the current state of a site’s pages. They are extremely important for SEO:

Skillful use of these codes helps to:

• Maintain correct indexing,
• Avoid traffic loss,
• Improve user experience and the site’s technical health.