HTTP Error Codes 404 vs 301 vs 500 – Difference, Examples and Fixes

When browsing a website, you might have come across messages like 404 Page Not Found, 301 Redirect, or 500 Internal Server Error.

These are known as HTTP status codes, and they indicate what’s happening between your browser and the website’s server.

HTTP Error Codes 404 vs 301 vs 500

Understanding these codes is crucial for both website owners and SEO professionals.
In this guide, we’ll break down the three most common HTTP errors — 404, 301, and 500, their differences, causes, SEO impact, and how to fix them.

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1. HTTP 404 Error – Page Not Found

What It Means:

The 404 Error tells us that the server is working properly, but the specific page you’re looking for cannot be found.
This usually happens when a page is deleted, moved, or the URL is mistyped.

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Real-Life Example:

You try to visit example.com/old-blog-post but that page was deleted.
The browser then displays a 404 Page Not Found message.

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Common Causes:

• The page was deleted or moved without redirection.

• The URL was typed incorrectly.

• Internal or external broken links.

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SEO Impact:

• Google considers 404 errors as broken links, which can hurt your SEO.

• A bad user experience (UX) when visitors can’t find what they’re looking for.

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How to Fix a 404 Error:

1. Set up a 301 Redirect to the correct page or updated URL.

2. Create a custom 404 page that helps users navigate to other parts of your site.

3. Regularly check for broken links using tools like Google Search Console or Ahrefs.

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2. HTTP 301 Error – Permanent Redirect

What It Means:

The 301 Error isn’t exactly an error; it’s a permanent redirect.
It tells both users and search engines that the requested page has been moved permanently to a new URL.

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Real-Life Example:

• Old URL: example.com/old-blog-post

• New URL: example.com/new-blog-post

With a 301 redirect, anyone visiting the old link will automatically be sent to the new link.

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SEO Benefits:

• Transfers SEO value (link juice) from the old page to the new page.

• Prevents broken links, keeping both visitors and search engines happy.

• Maintains website authority and rankings.

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How to Set Up a 301 Redirect:

• Use your .htaccess file (for Apache servers).

• Configure in cPanel or hosting dashboard.

• WordPress users can use plugins like Rank Math or Yoast SEO.

Pro Tip:
Always use a 301 redirect when removing or changing URLs permanently to protect your SEO.

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3. HTTP 500 Error – Internal Server Error

What It Means:

The 500 Internal Server Error indicates that something is wrong on the server-side, not the user’s browser.
It’s like the website’s engine has a problem and can’t process the request.

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Real-Life Example:

• Website goes down unexpectedly.

• Coding errors in PHP or plugins.

• Database connection failure.

• Incorrect server configuration.

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SEO Impact:

• If your website shows 500 errors for a long time, Google may decrease your rankings or even de-index pages.

• Poor user experience because visitors can’t access the site.

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How to Fix a 500 Error:

1. Check your server error logs for details.

2. Contact your hosting provider for support.

3. Restore a backup if recent changes caused the issue.

4. Make sure all plugins and themes are updated (for CMS platforms like WordPress).

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Comparison Table – 404 vs 301 vs 500

Feature	404 Error (Page Not Found)	301 Error (Permanent Redirect)	500 Error (Internal Server Error)
Meaning	The page does not exist or cannot be found.	Page moved permanently to a new URL.	Problem inside the server itself.
Whose Fault	User mistyped URL or broken link.	Website owner changed/moved URL.	Server or website code issue.
SEO Impact	Negative – broken links hurt SEO.	Positive – SEO value transferred to new URL.	Negative – rankings drop if site is down.
Solution	301 redirect or custom 404 page.	Always use 301 redirect for permanent moves.	Check server logs and fix code issues.

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Quick Recap

• 404 Error: Page not found → fix with 301 redirect or a custom error page.

• 301 Redirect: Page moved permanently → preserves SEO and user experience.

• 500 Error: Server issue → troubleshoot immediately to avoid ranking drops.

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FAQ Section – HTTP Errors Explained

1. What is a 404 error and how do I fix it?

A 404 error occurs when the requested page cannot be found.
Fix:

• Redirect to the correct page using a 301 redirect.

• Or create a custom 404 page to guide visitors.

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2. What’s the difference between 301 and 302 redirect?

• 301 Redirect: Permanent move, transfers SEO value to the new page.

• 302 Redirect: Temporary move, does not transfer SEO value.

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3. Why does a 500 error occur?

It happens due to server issues such as misconfigurations, database errors, or corrupted files.
Fix:

• Check server logs or contact your hosting provider.

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4. How do HTTP errors affect SEO?

• 404 errors hurt SEO by creating broken links.

• 301 redirects help preserve rankings.

• 500 errors can cause ranking drops if not fixed quickly.