What is HTTP Status Codes? Definition & Examples

What are HTTP Status Codes?

Understanding HTTP Status Codes in E-commerce

Quick Definition

HTTP Status Codes are standardized three-digit numeric responses sent by web servers to indicate the outcome of a client's request. They communicate whether a web request was successful, requires redirection, contains an error, or needs client or server intervention, providing crucial diagnostic information for web interactions.

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Understanding HTTP Status Codes

Status Code Categories

1xx: Informational

Request received, continuing process

2xx: Successful

Request successfully processed

3xx: Redirection

Further action needed to complete request

4xx: Client Errors

Request contains bad syntax or cannot be fulfilled

5xx: Server Errors

Server failed to fulfill valid request

Most Common HTTP Status Codes

Code	Meaning	Impact
200	OK	Request successful, page loads normally
301	Permanent Redirect	Page moved permanently, SEO link equity transferred
404	Not Found	Requested page doesn't exist, potential user frustration
500	Internal Server Error	Server-side problem preventing page load
403	Forbidden	Server understands request but refuses authorization

E-commerce Implications

For online stores, HTTP status codes directly impact user experience and conversion rates. A high number of 404 or 500 errors can significantly reduce customer trust and potentially drive away sales.

Tools like Growth Suite can help monitor site performance and quickly identify potential HTTP status code issues that might interrupt the customer journey, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted browsing and purchasing experiences.

Best Practices

✓Implement custom 404 pages with navigation options
✓Use 301 redirects for moved content to preserve SEO
✓Regularly monitor server logs for recurring status code errors
✓Ensure quick resolution of 5xx server errors