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Category: Errors | HTTP Status Codes | Response Codes
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5xx Status Codes (Server Error)
Definition
5xx status codes (HTTP status codes in the 5xx range, e.g. 500 Internal Server Error) indicate that external links or resources are encountering an issue while attempting to fulfill the visitor’s request. 
These errors can disrupt the functionality and availability of linked resources, negatively impacting SEO stats & user experience. It is crucial to promptly resolve server errors to ensure the linked resources are properly functioning.
Internal Server Error (5xx) and External Server Error (5xx) are critical factors influencing the performance and visibility of a website in search engine results pages (SERPs). 5xx status codes (Internal Server Error 5xx) occur when a user encounters issues accessing pages within a website due to server-side problems, such as overloaded servers, misconfigured server settings, or software bugs.
These errors, often indicated by HTTP status codes such as 500 (Internal Server Error) or 502 (Bad Gateway), can significantly disrupt user experience, leading to frustration and eventually leading users to leave the website.
Moreover, internal Server Error (5xx) can negatively impact search engine crawlers’ ability to index website content properly, potentially resulting in a loss of organic traffic and decreased search visibility. Similarly, external Server Error (5xx) arises when users encounter errors accessing a website through external links, typically due to server-side issues on the linked website.
These errors, also represented by HTTP status codes such as 500 (Internal Server Error) or 502 (Bad Gateway), can damage a website’s reputation, disrupt referral traffic from external sources, and reduce its search engine rankings. Addressing both internal and external Server Error (5xx) issues promptly is crucial for maintaining a positive user experience, retaining visitors, and preserving a website’s credibility and visibility in SERPs. This involves troubleshooting server-related issues, implementing robust server configurations, and ensuring seamless website performance to enhance overall SEO performance.
Why Are Internal & External Server Errors Bad For SEO?
When search engine crawlers encounter server errors, such as the notorious 500 Internal Server Error, they are unable to access and index the content on the affected pages. This can result in search engines ranking those pages lower or even removing them from search results in the worst case scenario. Additionally, frequent server errors may lead to a poor user experience, as visitors encounter disruptions while trying to access the site. Search engines prioritize user satisfaction, so a website that consistently experiences external server errors may be penalized in rankings.
Why Am I Getting One of 5xx Status Codes?
Common causes of external server errors are experienced due to server-side configurations and code errors. If you’re using CMS’s such as WordPress orWebflow, 5xx errors may occur due to faulty or outdated plugins, add-ons, or API integrations. Check here to see what might have happened if you got no response code.
Implementation
Fix any server-side issues affecting the accessibility and usability of external links or resources to provide a seamless user experience. If your URLs encounter 5xx status codes, use the Creeper SEO Audit HTTP Codes subreport within the Response Codes report.
This section provides visual charts detailing all the HTTP status codes identified on your website.In the event of encountering an error immediately after a recent software upgrade, it is plausible that the upgrade was not completed successfully, leading to potential file corruption.
It is recommended to uninstall the upgrade and attempt the process from the start.You can also use Creeper SEO Audit Link Explorer report to identify, sort, and analyze all URLs and codes in bulk.
Various 5xx Status Codes
| 5xx Status Codes | Issue | Response |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | Internal Server Error | The 500 Internal Server Error is a generic server-side issue, indicating a problem preventing request fulfillment. | Resolve by checking server logs, reviewing recent changes, and ensuring ample server resources while addressing any coding errors. |
| 501 | Not Implemented | A 501 Not Implemented error occurs when the server does not recognize the requested method. | Confirm server method support, update configurations, and ensure compatibility with the website’s HTTP version. |
| 502 | Bad Gateway | The 502 Bad Gateway error signifies an invalid response from an upstream server acting as a gateway. | Rectify by checking upstream server health, troubleshooting network issues, and optimizing server timeout parameters. |
| 503 | Service Unavailable | A 503 Service Unavailable error indicates temporary server incapacity to handle requests. | Resolve by monitoring server load, scheduling maintenance, and optimizing server resources for peak traffic. |
| 504 | Gateway Timeout | The 504 Gateway Timeout error signals a lack of timely response from an upstream server acting as a gateway. | Enhance server performance, adjust timeout settings, and ensure prompt execution of backend processes. |
| 505 | HTTP Version Not Supported | A 505 HTTP Version Not Supported error arises when the server does not support the HTTP protocol version used. | Resolve this by updating server configurations to align with the website’s HTTP version. |
| 506 | Variant Also Negotiates | The 506 Variant Also Negotiates error occurs when server configuration requires further negotiation for the selected variant. | Adjust server settings to facilitate negotiation for the specified variant. |
| 507 | Insufficient Storage | A 507 Insufficient Storage error indicates the server is unable to store the representation needed to complete the request. | Rectify by freeing up storage space or allocating additional storage resources. |
| 508 | Loop Detected | The 508 Loop Detected error signals that the server detects an infinite loop while processing a request. | Review and correct the request-handling logic to eliminate the loop. |
| 509 | Bandwidth Limit Exceeded | A 509 Bandwidth Limit Exceeded error occurs when server bandwidth limits are exceeded. | Resolve by upgrading hosting plans or optimizing website assets to reduce bandwidth usage. |
| 510 | Not Extended | The 510 Not Extended error indicates that further extensions to fulfill the request are required. | Fix by adjusting server settings to allow for the necessary extensions. |
| 511 | Network Authentication Required | A 511 Network Authentication Required error occurs when network access is denied without proper authentication. | Resolve by ensuring correct authentication credentials or adjusting network security settings accordingly. |
Benefits
Resolving 5xx status codes offers the following benefits:
- Improves website reliability and availability by addressing server errors, ensuring users can access the site without disruptions.
- Enhances user trust and confidence in the website’s stability and credibility, as they encounter fewer server errors and downtime.
- Supports positive search engine rankings and visibility by minimizing server errors that can negatively impact search engine crawling and indexing.
- Prevents potential loss of customers or leads due to server errors, maximizing user engagement and conversion opportunities.
- Creates a positive user experience by eliminating frustrating error messages caused by 5xx server errors, encouraging visitors to explore and engage with the website further
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Category: Errors | HTTP Status Codes | Response Codes
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