Critical issueTechnical
Page Returns an Error Status: How to Fix It
The page did not return HTTP status 200 OK. Common errors are 404 (not found), 410 (gone), and 500 (server error).
Quick fix: The page should return status 200. Fix server errors, or redirect removed pages to a relevant live page.
Why it matters for SEO
Pages that return errors cannot rank, and links pointing to them waste authority and frustrate visitors.
How to fix it
- 1If the page moved, add a 301 redirect to the new URL.
- 2If it was deleted, redirect to the most relevant live page or let it return 404 and remove links to it.
- 3For 5xx errors, check server logs, memory limits, and plugins.
Frequently asked questions
Are 404 errors bad for SEO?
A few are normal. They become a problem when important pages or many internal links return 404.
Should I redirect every 404 to the homepage?
No. Redirect to a relevant page. Mass redirects to the homepage are treated as soft 404s.
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