Monitor website content
StatusGator allows you to check not only whether your website or API is up, but also whether it includes specific content — giving you confidence that the site isn't just accessible, but functioning correctly.
Why use content checks?
- Validate functionality: Ensure the correct page or data is being returned (e.g., a login portal).
- Detect partial failures: Identify when the site loads but critical features fail, such as missing forms or content.
- API validation: Confirm important responses or keys are present, not just that the service responds.
How to set up content monitoring
- Navigate to Monitors in the left menu.
- Find the relevant website monitor. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) and select Configure.
- Open the Settings tab.
- Enable Check for content and enter the keyword or phrase that indicates the site is up (e.g., “login”).
- Optionally select a specific monitoring region to avoid false alerts when affected by localized issues.
- Click Save to apply changes.
Example: If your login portal works correctly and contains the word “login”, the monitor marks status as UP. If your site returns an error page without that keyword, it will mark DOWN.
Best practices
- Choose a unique identifier (e.g., “login”) that's only present when the site is healthy.
- For APIs, check for stable JSON keys (e.g.,
status: "ok") or values. - Avoid common words like “Home” or “Welcome,” which may appear even when the site isn’t functioning correctly.