Google Recommends 503 Status for PHP Patching to Preserve Search Indexing
· 1h ago · Originally reported by PPC Land
Google has advised website owners to use HTTP 503 status codes, instead of 404, when taking sites offline for PHP patching. This approach ensures that temporarily unavailable pages are not immediately removed from Google's search index.
Why it matters
Correct use of HTTP status codes during maintenance helps sites maintain their search visibility, which is crucial for digital marketing and ad revenue.
Explain it like I’m new here
If your store is closed for cleaning, you hang a 'back soon' sign (503), not a 'gone forever' sign (404), so people know you'll reopen.
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