Server-side errors are errors that occur on the server when a client (such as a web browser) tries to access a website or web application.
Server side errors can be caused by a variety of factors, including problems with the server itself, issues with the web server software, misconfigured server settings, or problems with the code or scripts that run on the server.
Examples of server-side errors
Examples of server-side errors include the "500 Internal Server Error," the "502 Bad Gateway" error, and the "503 Service Unavailable" error. These errors are typically displayed to the user as a message or code on the website, and they can indicate that there is a problem with the server that needs to be addressed in order to access the website or web application.
A large spike in 500 or 503 errors could indicate the inability for the site’s web hosting and server to manage the requirements of the site, resulting in downtime for visitors.
How to check for server side errors
- In Google Search Console navigate to Coverage > Errors
You will see a list of 50x errors occurring on the site
OR - Use Screaming Frog