Errors in development can be frustrating, especially when they’re affecting both the functionality of a website and its performance on search engines. One such issue webmasters often encounter is the 422 Unprocessable Entity Errors.
While this may seem like a minor glitch, it can significantly impact your website’s SEO and UX if you leave it unresolved. Here, we’ll explore the causes of the 422 status code error, how to troubleshoot it, and tips for preventing it to ensure optimal SEO and UX.
422 Unprocessable Entity Error – Why Does It Happen?
It is an HTTP status code that indicates that the server you’re working on understands the request – but it’s unable to process the contained instructions. This error occurs when the requested info is syntactically correct but semantically incomplete or incorrect.
In simpler words, the web server cannot process the instructions because they violate some rules or the data validation criteria. You must find the source of the problem and fix it before moving on and begin working on developing your website.
The Causes
The 422 Unprocessable Entity Error occurs when the server receives a well-formed request but cannot process it due to logical errors. This is different from errors like 404 (Not Found) or 500 (Server Error), which indicate either a missing page or an internal server issue.
Some of the common causes of it may entail –
- Incorrectly formatted data (i.e. submitting a form with missing or invalid fields)
- Semantic errors (the data sent to the web server does not meet the necessary logic rules, even though it’s formatted correctly)
- API misconfiguration (when an AP fails to meet specific validation checks)
For example, suppose you have an e-commerce site where your users are required to enter their shipping information. So, if someone submits a form, that is missing fields like address or ZIP code, the server will return a 422 error, as the data doesn’t meet the logical criteria for processing.
How Do You Troubleshoot 422 Unprocessable Entity Errors?
The first step in troubleshooting a 422 error is to check your web server logs. These logs contain detailed information about what may have gone wrong and where the error originated. So, while you are at it, look for patterns or recurring issues that denote data validation issues.
After that –
1: Validate and Debug the Request
Once you have identified the faulty request, the next step is to validate and debug it. Here is what it may involve –
- Check the data sent by the client to ensure that it meets the expected criteria and format.
- Testing the request by using tools like URL or Postman to pinpoint where the issue lies.
2: Correct Data Validation Issues
Data validation errors are quite a common cause of 422. So, to avoid it, you must ensure that the APIs, forms, and other input fields enforce strict validation rules. It may involve checking for –
- Missing files
- Improperly formatted and organized data
- Data constraints that have not been met
3: Test after Fixing
Once you have made the necessary fixes, it’s time to test your website thoroughly to ensure that the issue is resolved. You’ll also have to make sure that the 422 errors are not appearing for any other reason and the corrected function is performing as you expected it.
How Can 422 Error Affect Your Website’s UX and SEO?
422 error is an issue that can severely affect how a person interacts with your website. So, once Google or any other search engine finds it, naturally it will ensure that your website is de-listed. Also, it can be quite a frustrating experience for the users.
A: Impact on SEO
- If the 422 error is affecting the key pages of your website, search engines may struggle to crawl and index those pages properly. Google might devalue your website if it finds more than one unsolved error, which may result in lower SERP rankings.
- Google web crawlers usually ignore pages that have recurring HTTP errors. Therefore, if a crucial page (such as the product page) encounters a 422 error, Google will exclude it from the index altogether.
B: Impact on UX
- Users encountering concurring errors can feel frustrated, which leads to increased bounce rates and decreased engagement. It is primarily alarming for e-commerce, service-based brands where a smooth user journey is important for conversions.
If your website is at risk of encountering 422 errors, it will be better to write helpful error texts for the same. Don’t write technical jargon or anything else that will make it difficult for the user to understand what has happened.
Even when you have resolved the error, it’s important to let your users know about it. You can do it by redirecting to the appropriate page again or providing helpful navigation tips.
Preventing the 422 Unprocessable Entity Error
Here are a few simple methods you can follow to prevent the 422 Unprocessable Entity Errors.
1: Regular API and Form Validation Audits
Proactively auditing your website’s API and form validation mechanisms can prevent future 422 errors. Ensure that all data inputs are correctly formatted and that validation rules are in place to catch errors before they happen.
2: Implementing Strong Data Validation Rules
422 error can also be avoided if you enforce a strict data validation rule throughout your website. Make sure that you are completing all required fields, and that data meets the necessary criteria prior to being sent to the server.
Monitoring Website Health
If you want to be more stringent, it’s best to use monitoring tools to keep track of your website. A few great options can include the following –
- Loggly
- Google Search Console
- Sentry
These tools can help you identify and resolve errors before they can negatively affect your SEO or UX. If you can’t do it alone, it will be better to collaborate with a web development company.
The Bottom Line
The 422 Unprocessable Entity Error can have a severe impact on your website’s SEO and UX if not resolved promptly.
By understanding its causes, following the troubleshooting steps, and implementing preventive measures, you can ensure that your website functions optimally, providing a seamless experience for users and maintaining your search engine rankings.
Proactive monitoring and regular audits are key to preventing such issues in the future, keeping your site error-free and high-performing for both users and search engines alike.
ELAB FRANCE