A redirect sends visitors and search engines from one URL to another. The two common choices are 301 and 302. Choosing the right one prevents confusion later.
301 Redirect
A 301 redirect means the move is permanent. Use it when a page has changed URL, a domain has moved, or you want one canonical version of a page.
302 Redirect
A 302 redirect means the move is temporary. Use it for short-term campaigns, maintenance pages, or testing where the original URL should remain the main one.
Common Redirect Uses
- HTTP to HTTPS.
- Old page to replacement page.
- Non-www to www, or the other way round.
- Retired product to category page.
Avoid Redirect Chains
A redirect chain happens when URL A redirects to B, then B redirects to C. Update old rules so visitors go directly to the final URL.
After adding redirects, test the old URLs in a browser and with a header checker so you know they return the status you intended.
