When it comes to SEO, understanding technical terms can feel overwhelming. One such term is the 200 status code.
Don’t worry—it’s simpler than it sounds. This guide will explain it in everyday language, with examples anyone can understand.
What Is 200 Status Code? #
In simple words, a 200 status code is a message from a web server that tells a browser or search engine that a web page has loaded successfully.
Whenever you type a website address in your browser and the page opens without errors, the server sends back a 200 OK response. Think of it like a green light saying, “Everything is fine. The page exists and can be accessed.”
In technical terms, 200 is part of the HTTP status codes, which are codes websites use to communicate with browsers and search engines about the status of a page.
Other common codes include 404 (page not found) or 301 (page redirected). But 200 is the one that confirms the page is live and working properly.
Examples #
Imagine you go to a restaurant and order your favorite dish. The waiter comes back and says, “Here’s your order, everything is ready!” That’s exactly what a 200 status code does on the web.
- When you or Google requests a page, the web server checks if the page exists and works.
- If everything is fine, it responds with 200 OK, meaning the page is live and ready to view.
Think of HTTP status codes as messages from a website:
- 200 – Everything is fine.
- 404 – Page not found.
- 500 – Server error.
So, 200 is like a green light telling browsers and search engines: “This page is ready for users!”
Why Is the 200 Status Code Important? #
The 200 status code is critical in SEO because it signals to search engines like Google that your page is valid, accessible, and ready to be indexed.
Here’s why it matters:
- Search engine indexing: Search engines only index pages that return a 200 status code. If a page shows a 404 or 500 error, it won’t be indexed.
- User experience: A working page ensures visitors don’t see errors, improving site credibility and engagement.
- Link equity: If external sites link to your page, a 200 status code ensures that the link value is counted toward your SEO ranking.
Simply put, a 200 status code is the first step to making sure your website is seen and trusted by both search engines and visitors.
A 200 status code is critical in SEO because it ensures your pages are accessible and indexable by search engines.
Real-life Example: #
Suppose a small bakery has a page called “Cupcake Recipes.”
- If the page returns 200, Google indexes it, and people searching for cupcakes can find it.
- If it returns 404, the page disappears from search results, and nobody sees it.
Importance for SEO: #
- Search engine indexing: Only pages that return 200 are indexed.
- User experience: Visitors land on working pages, reducing frustration.
- Link value: External links pointing to a 200 page help boost SEO authority.
Simply put, a 200 status code is the first step to making your website visible and trustworthy.
200 Status Code Benefits #
Using pages that return a 200 status code provides several benefits for your website:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Better Indexing | Search engines can crawl and include your page in search results. |
| Improved User Experience | Visitors land on a working page, reducing bounce rates. |
| Link Value Preservation | Links pointing to your page pass SEO authority, helping rankings. |
| Site Health Verification | Ensures your website is free from broken pages and technical issues. |
In short, having pages that return a 200 status code is like keeping your website in a healthy state—ready to attract visitors and perform well in search results.
Your website is like a library, and each page is a book.
- 200: The book is on the shelf and can be read.
- 404: The book is missing—readers can’t access it.
- 500: The library is closed—nobody can enter.
A 200 status code keeps your website “open for visitors” and trusted by Google.
200 Status Code FAQs #
How can I check if a page returns a 200 status code? #
You can use free tools like Google Search Console, Screaming Frog SEO Spider, or online HTTP status checkers to see the status code of any page. If it shows 200, the page is live and accessible.
Can a page return 200 but still have SEO issues? #
Yes. A page can return 200 but still have problems like thin content, slow loading speed, or missing meta tags. Status code 200 only means the page exists; it doesn’t guarantee SEO quality.
What happens if a page doesn’t return 200? #
If your page returns codes like 404 (Not Found) or 500 (Server Error), search engines may remove it from their index, and visitors will see errors instead of content.
What is status code 200 in SEO? #
A 200 status code in SEO means a web page has loaded successfully and is accessible. It tells search engines that the page exists and can be indexed.
Without it, the page may not appear in search results or pass SEO value.
What does 200 status code mean? #
A 200 status code signifies that a webpage is fully accessible and functioning properly. It tells browsers and search engines that the requested content is available.
In simple terms, it’s a confirmation that the page is live and working as expected.