What are HTTP status codes?

Imagine, after a long time, you need to open a bookmark that you have more than a few years already. You try to open it, and…suddenly you see an error – “404 Page not found”. The page you were looking for has gone without a trace, maybe the whole website is missing, or maybe it was just a small change of the URL, but you will probably never know.

This is your first touch with an HTTP status codes, and specifically with 400-type. There are different status code types: 1?? Information responses, 2?? Success, 3?? Redirection, 4?? client errors and 5?? server errors. In the context of redirection, we focus on the 3?? status codes – 301 and 302 Redirects.

301 moved permanently

A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that informs search engines and browsers that the requested page has been permanently moved to a new location. It ensures that both users and search engines are directed to the new URL and all the existing traffic, link juice, and SEO value of the old page are transferred to the new one.

This redirection is very convenient if you have changed to a new domain. You can redirect to the new one using the 301 redirection and Google will start indexing the new page (the page where the 301 redirects). The search engine will understand that object is moved from address A to address B permanently, and it will start “forgetting” the old one.

You can configure 301 redirects in different ways – using HTML, PHP, scripts, .htaccess (for Apache) or web.config (for IIS).

This process is a bit more time consuming, and you need specialized knowledge.

If you don’t have programming skills, and you don’t have a full-time programmer at your disposal, you can take advantage of our free feature called Web Redirects.

When to use a 301 Redirect

• Permanent URL Changes: If you have permanently moved or renamed a page on your website, implementing a 301 redirect is crucial. It ensures that users who try to access the old URL are automatically redirected to the new URL, preserving their experience and preventing broken links.
• Consolidating Content: When you merge two or more pages into one, a 301 redirect can be used to redirect users and search engines from the old URLs to the new consolidated URL. This consolidation helps avoid duplicate content issues and improves SEO by consolidating link equity.
• Domain Migrations: If you are changing your domain name, a 301 redirect can be used to redirect all traffic from the old domain to the corresponding pages on the new domain. This redirect ensures a smooth transition and helps maintain your search engine rankings.

Is there a limit to using 301 Redirects?

When it comes to using 301 redirects, it’s important to understand their impact on your site’s performance and SEO. Technically, you can use numerous 301 redirects, but it’s best to avoid creating long chains where one URL redirects to another and so forth. These redirect chains can slow down your site, confusing both users and search engines. Each redirect introduces a slight delay as the server processes the request, and multiple redirects can accumulate significant delays, leading to slower page load times and potentially frustrating visitors.

Search engines like Google may not pass the full SEO value through a series of redirects. The more redirects in a chain, the less SEO benefit the final URL might receive. Therefore, it’s best to keep your redirects as direct as possible. Ideally, a redirect should point straight to the final destination without any intermediate steps. This helps preserve SEO value and ensures faster load times, providing a better user experience.

Managing a large number of redirects can also become cumbersome. Regularly reviewing and updating your redirects is crucial to ensure they remain necessary and efficient. Removing outdated redirects helps keep your site clean and streamlined.

302 moved temporarily

302 Redirect is easier to use, it can be done with a simple JavaScript, but it has small applications. The most common use is in e-commerce websites. It is used for products that are temporarily out of stock. When your client opens the page of the product, instead of seeing the sad 404 error, he/she can be redirected to a different product or category. It might help you keep the client and leave a good impression.

So, 302 is commonly used when a website is undergoing maintenance or when a page is temporarily inaccessible. Unlike the 301 redirect, a 302 redirect does not transfer the SEO value and traffic from the old page to the new one.  It won’t replace the new page with the previous, and in the long-term, it can damage your PageRank and consequently can lower the visits to the page.

When to use a 302 Redirect

• Temporary Page Changes: If a page on your website is temporarily unavailable, such as during maintenance or updates, a 302 redirect can be used to redirect users to a temporary page or a maintenance notice. It signals to search engines that the change is temporary, and the original page will return.
• A/B Testing: When conducting A/B testing or running multiple versions of a page simultaneously, a 302 redirect can be used to send a portion of the traffic to one version and another portion to a different version. This allows you to compare the performance of different page variations without affecting the search engine rankings.

3 Best practices for implementing redirects

1. Redirect Chains: Avoid creating long chains of redirects as it can slow down page load times and confuse search engines. Whenever possible, aim to have a direct redirect from the old URL to the new one.
2. Correct HTTP Status Codes: Ensure that you set the appropriate HTTP status code (301 or 302) in the redirect response. This ensures search engines and browsers interpret the redirect correctly.
3. Update Internal Links: After implementing redirects, update internal links throughout your website to point to the new URLs. This helps maintain a consistent user experience and ensures search engines can crawl and index the new pages correctly.

How to configure redirects 301 and 302? Step by step guide

1. First you need to determine the type of redirect you need – 301 or 302 redirects

2. Then you need to access your website’s configuration files or Content Management System (CMS). The process may vary depending on your platform or hosting provider. Here are some common methods:

• Apache web server (.htaccess file): If you’re using Apache, you can add redirect rules in the .htaccess file located in your website’s root directory.
• Nginx web server (nginx.conf file): For Nginx, you need to edit the nginx.conf configuration file, which is typically found in the /etc/nginx/ directory.
• Content Management Systems: If you’re using a CMS like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, you can usually configure redirects using built-in plugins or modules.

Suggested article: WordPress vs Drupal, which CMS to choose?

3. Write the redirect rules:

• For a 301 Permanent Redirect, the rule typically looks like this in Apache’s .htaccess file:

And for Nginx’s nginx.conf file:

• For a 302 Temporary Redirect, the rule is similar but with a different status code:

For Nginx:

4. Save the configuration changes and restart your web server if necessary. This step ensures that the changes take effect.

5. Test the redirects: Open a web browser and try accessing the old URL. It should automatically redirect you to the new URL based on the status code you specified.

Remember to replace “/old-page.html” with the actual URL or path you want to redirect from, and “https://www.example.com/new-page.html” with the destination URL or path you want to redirect to.

Web Redirect Record

Web redirect record is an essential tool in Domain Name System (DNS) management that guides all site visitors to a specific URL when visiting a particular domain, subdomain, or a specific path. This feature enhances overall website navigation and supplies an impressive, dynamic online user experience. It’s vital in performing URL forwarding, controlling domain aliases, and creating a seamless flow when a domain name or a webpage is altered or deleted.

Moreover, web redirect record plays a vital role in ensuring an effective and encrypted connection through the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). SSL protects an internet connection and safeguards any sensitive data that’s being transferred between two systems. It prevents cybercriminals from reading and modifying any information transferred, including personal and credit card details. At ClouDNS, we offer this service for no additional cost. Our Free SSL Certificates are available in our Premium DNS, DDoS protected DNS, and GeoDNS plans.

Combining web redirect records with SSL can give an extra layer of safety by redirecting users to the HTTPS version of your website. This indicates that your website has an SSL certificate and the data transmitted between the users and the website is encrypted and secure.

But remember, implementing web redirects and SSL seamlessly requires efficient SSL certificate monitoring and web monitoring. Web (HTTP/HTTPS) monitoring check involves overseeing your website’s performance and availability to ensure a quality user experience. It detects potential issues in real time. This enables businesses to act immediately to resolve any potential problems.

Our Web Redirect Record (WR) is now an exclusive feature of our enhanced DNS plans, ensuring your redirect needs are seamlessly managed.

You just need to access the control panel and redirect from your old domain to a new one.

You can do it in just a few minutes – follow the instructions of our video, and you’ll be ready in no time.

Using our control panel, you can easily do both redirection methods – 301 or 302.

Now that you know them, you can use them accordingly and keep your SEO in order and your users happy.

Suggested article: DNS and SEO: How does DNS service affect SEO?

The post What are 301 and 302 Redirects and how to use them? appeared first on ClouDNS Blog.

Understanding HTTP

HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol. It is the foundation of any data exchange on the Web and is a protocol used for transmitting hypertext. HTTP allows for the fetching of resources, such as HTML documents, and it is the protocol that makes the web work.

When you enter a URL in your browser, it starts with “http://”, which tells the browser to use HTTP to communicate with the web server hosting the website. However, HTTP has a significant drawback: it transmits data in plain text. This means that any data exchanged between the browser and the server can be intercepted and read by anyone who has access to the data stream.

Additionally, HTTP uses a system of status codes to indicate the status of requests made by the client to the server. These HTTP status codes are essential for understanding how web interactions are processed. For example, a “200 OK” status means the request was successful, a “404 Not Found” indicates a missing resource, and a “500 Internal Server Error” points to a problem on the server side.

What is HTTPS?

HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. It is an extension of HTTP and uses a secure connection to encrypt the data being transferred between the browser and the server. The secure connection is established using an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol.

When a URL starts with “https://“, it indicates that the website is using HTTPS, and any data exchanged is encrypted. This encryption ensures that even if the data is intercepted, it cannot be read without the decryption key, providing a higher level of security.

HTTP vs HTTPS: Key Differences

Data Encryption

• HTTP: Transmits data in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception and eavesdropping. Anyone with access to the data stream can read the information being exchanged, which poses a significant security risk.
• HTTPS: Encrypts data, ensuring that it remains confidential and secure during transmission. Even if the data is intercepted, it cannot be read without the decryption key. This encryption is vital for protecting sensitive information such as login credentials, payment details, and personal data.

Security

• HTTP: Does not provide any security features. Data can be easily intercepted and manipulated, leading to potential security breaches. This lack of security makes HTTP unsuitable for websites that handle sensitive information.
• HTTPS: Provides data integrity and authenticity. It ensures that the data sent and received has not been tampered with and that the website is legitimate. This level of security is crucial for maintaining user trust and protecting against various cyber threats, including HTTP flood attacks.

SEO Benefits

• HTTP: Websites using HTTP do not receive any special ranking benefits from search engines. In fact, search engines may penalize HTTP sites by ranking them lower in search results.
• HTTPS: Preferred by search engines, improving rankings and visibility. Google and other search engines prioritize HTTPS websites, which can lead to better search engine rankings and increased traffic.

Trust and Credibility

• HTTP: Users may see warnings in their browsers indicating that the connection is not secure. These warnings can deter users from visiting the site or entering personal information.
• HTTPS: Websites using HTTPS display a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, instilling trust and confidence in users. This visual cue reassures users that their data is secure, encouraging them to interact with the website.

Performance

• HTTP: Generally faster because it does not need to establish a secure connection. However, this speed comes at the cost of security.
• HTTPS: Slightly slower due to the encryption/decryption process, but advancements in technology have minimized this difference. Modern implementations of HTTPS are highly optimized, resulting in negligible performance impacts.

Comparative table of HTTP vs HTTPS

Why to Choose HTTPS Over HTTP?

Protecting Sensitive Information

HTTPS is essential for safeguarding sensitive data such as login credentials, payment details, and personal information. Without encryption, this data is vulnerable to theft. HTTPS ensures that any data exchanged between the user and the website is encrypted and secure from eavesdroppers. This is particularly important for e-commerce sites, online banking, and any platform requiring user authentication. Similarly, for transferring files, secure versions of FTP, like FTPS or SFTP, provide encryption to protect data during transit.

Suggest article: FTP vs HTTP: Understanding the Key Differences

Enhancing User Trust

Users are more likely to trust websites that display a secure connection icon (padlock). This trust is crucial for e-commerce sites and any platform requiring user interaction. When users see the padlock icon, they know that their data is being protected, which increases their confidence in the website. This trust can lead to higher engagement, lower bounce rates, and increased conversions.

Complying with Regulations

Many data protection laws, like GDPR, mandate the use of HTTPS to protect user data. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and damage to the organization’s reputation. By implementing HTTPS, businesses can ensure they are meeting regulatory requirements and protecting user data from potential breaches.

Additional Benefits

Using HTTPS can also enable the use of newer web technologies that require secure connections, such as HTTP/2 and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). These technologies can further enhance website performance and user experience. For instance, HTTP/2 can significantly improve loading times by allowing multiple requests to be sent simultaneously over a single connection.

The role of SSL Certificates

SSL certificates are digital certificates that authenticate a website’s identity and enable an encrypted connection. They are critical for implementing HTTPS. SSL certificates are issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs) and come in various types, including Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV), and Extended Validation (EV).

Using ClouDNS SSL certificates, website owners can easily secure their sites, ensuring data privacy and boosting user confidence. ClouDNS offers a variety of SSL certificates, including Positive SSL, Positive SSL Wildcard, and EV SSL, to meet different needs. These certificates not only provide robust encryption but also display visual security indicators like the padlock icon and, for EV SSL, the organization’s name in the address bar, enhancing trust and credibility.

Additionally, services like HTTP/HTTPS monitoring help maintain the site’s security and performance by alerting owners to potential issues. Monitoring tools can detect anomalies in traffic patterns, identify potential threats, and ensure that SSL certificates are properly configured and up-to-date. By regularly monitoring HTTP and HTTPS traffic, website owners can proactively address security issues and maintain optimal performance.

SSL/TLS Monitoring Explained

Conclusion

In conclusion, the distinction between HTTP and HTTPS is crucial for ensuring the security of online data. While HTTP transmits data in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception, HTTPS encrypts data, ensuring its confidentiality and integrity. This encryption is vital for protecting sensitive information, maintaining user trust, and complying with regulatory requirements. By implementing HTTPS, website owners can significantly enhance their site’s security, boost user confidence, and improve their overall web performance. Understanding the difference between HTTP vs HTTPS and making the switch to HTTPS is a necessary step for any website looking to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

The post HTTP vs HTTPS: Why every website needs HTTPS today appeared first on ClouDNS Blog.

What are HTTP status codes?

HTTP status codes are three-digit number that a server sends to a client in response to a request made using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). It informs the client about the outcome of the request and how the server processed it. Status codes are grouped into different classes based on their meanings, such as informational, success, redirection, client error, and server error. They help in understanding whether a request was successful, encountered an error, or requires further action from the client.

HTTP status code maintenance is essential for a favorable user experience, and pivotal for SEO. To automate the process, consider using a site audit tool like SE Ranking’s solution. It will not only check HTTP status codes of all your website pages but also advise on how to better address any detected issue to improve your SEO performance.

Suggested article: FTP vs HTTP: Understanding the Key Differences

The 5 HTTP status code classifications

The HTTP status code is included in the response header sent by the server. Each status code carries a specific meaning, categorized into five different classes:

1. Informational (1XX): These status codes indicate that the server has received the request and is continuing the process. Examples include 100 (Continue) and 101 (Switching Protocols).
2. Success (2XX): These status codes indicate that the request was successfully received, understood, and accepted by the server. Examples include 200 (OK), 201 (Created), and 204 (No Content).
3. Redirection (3XX): These status codes indicate that the client needs to take additional action to complete the request. It may involve redirecting the client to a different URL. Examples include 301 (Moved Permanently) and 302 (Found).
4. Client Error (4XX): These status codes indicate that there was an error on the client’s side. It typically means that the request was malformed, unauthorized, or the requested resource is not available. Examples include 400 (Bad Request), 401 (Unauthorized), and 404 (Not Found).
5. Server Error (5XX): These status codes indicate that there was an error on the server’s side while processing the request. It indicates that the server failed to fulfill a valid request. Examples include 500 (Internal Server Error), 502 (Bad Gateway), and 503 (Service Unavailable).

1XX Informational

The informational HTTP status codes show you that the request is received without problems, but you need to wait until it gets processed.

• 100 Continue. The server is not ready with your request. It still needs to work on it. It may be due to a large request that needs more time.
• 101 Switching Protocols. The server is changing protocols as requested by the client.
• 102 Processing. The server has received the request and is still processing it.
• 103 Early hints. The request might be too large, but you are getting some information before the final complete response.

2XX Success

Computers can show not just errors but also successes. These next codes show when a request is completed correctly.

• 200 OK. This message indicates a completed request. The request could be GET, HEAD, POST or TRACE.
• 201 Created. The request has led to the successful creation of a new resource (POST or PUT).
• 202 Accepted. The request has been accepted for processing, but the processing is not yet complete.
• 204 No content. The server, after processing properly your request, tells you that it won’t return any content.

3XX Redirection

If you have worked in SEO, you probably already know these redirects. They help you organize websites, especially after internal changes.

• 300 Multiple Choices: The requested resource has multiple choices available, and the client should select one.
• 301 Moved Permanently. If somebody moves an article from one category to another, its URL will change too. You need to point the old URL to the new one.
• 302 Found or Moved temporarily. The “moved temporary” has never been a popular and useful redirect. It was used like the 301, but if you move an item for just a short time.

What are 301 and 302 redirects and how to use them?

• 304 Not modified. Basically what this redirect tells us is that the file we requested, has no new modification from the last time we requested it. Your computer should have it in the cache.

4XX Client Error

In a client-server model, there are two sides, the client for easy use and server which answers queries from the different users. The 4?? errors are mostly due to a problem with the client or just answer of a request.

• 400 error, bad request. The server says that it will not continue with the request, because of an inappropriate request (probably a syntaxes error).
• 401 Unauthorized. This is when the person who wants to access has failed with the authentication.
• 403 Forbidden. Similar to 401 error, but here there is no fail, just the user has no access to that place whatsoever.
• 404 Not found. The most common error, when we are searching for an old article. 404 Not found will appear when the there is no redirect and the page is just gone.
• 405 Method Not Allowed. The method used in the request is not supported for the requested resource.
• 408 Request Timeout. The server timed out waiting for the client to send a complete request.
• 409 Conflict. The current state of the resource has a conflict that doesn’t permit the request.

5XX Server Error

Here are a few status codes that you might see often if you work with servers. This category is for the server part of the connection.

• 500 error. the most generic error possible. It doesn’t tell you anything more than the error is in the server.
• 501 Not Implemented. The server does not support or has not implemented the functionality required to fulfill the request.
• 502 error. bad gateway. The server was doing a job as a proxy or a gateway and got an invalid response from another upstream server.
• 503 Service unavailable. This you can see when the server gets too many task and overload or is down due to maintenance.
• 504 Gateway Timeout. The server, who was performing as a proxy or a gateway, didn’t receive a response in time from the upstream server. There could be a problem with the next server on the network.
• 505 HTTP Version Not Supported. The server does not support the HTTP protocol version used in the request.

The impact of HTTP status codes on SEO

HTTP status codes play a crucial role in SEO by influencing how search engines crawl and index your site. Here are key points:

• 200 OK: Indicates that the page is available and can be crawled and indexed by search engines.
• 301 Moved Permanently: Redirects to a new URL and transfers the SEO value (link juice) from the old URL to the new one.
• 302 Found: Indicates a temporary redirect, which does not transfer SEO value to the new URL.
• 404 Not Found: Indicates a missing page. Frequent 404 errors can harm SEO by signaling a poor user experience.
• 410 Gone: Indicates that the page has been permanently removed and should be deindexed by search engines.
• 500 Internal Server Error: Indicates a server error that prevents the page from being crawled, which can negatively affect search engine rankings.

To optimize SEO, use 301 redirects for permanent changes, fix 404 errors, avoid overusing 302 redirects, and maintain server health to prevent 500 errors. Effective management of these codes enhances search engine performance and user experience.

Conclusion

There are even more HTTP status codes out there, but these are the most common. Now that you know what they mean, you can understand the network better and know where to search for the problem. Hope it was interesting for you, if you want to know about another code that is not in our list, put it in the comments.

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