Redirects are essential for maintaining SEO value and user experience when URLs change. Understanding the difference between 301 and 302 redirects helps you use them correctly.
What are redirects?
Redirects send visitors and search engines from one URL to another. They're used for:
- Moving content to new URLs
- Consolidating duplicate pages
- Handling temporary page moves
- Fixing broken links
301 redirects: permanent moves
What they mean
301 redirects tell search engines that content has permanently moved to a new location. Search engines transfer SEO value (link equity, rankings) to the new URL.
When to use 301
- Permanently moving a page
- Changing domain names
- Consolidating duplicate content
- Switching from HTTP to HTTPS
- URL structure changes
SEO impact
301 redirects preserve SEO value, passing link equity and rankings to the new URL. This is why they're preferred for permanent moves.
302 redirects: temporary moves
What they mean
302 redirects indicate a temporary move. Search engines don't transfer SEO value and may continue indexing the original URL.
When to use 302
- A/B testing different pages
- Temporary maintenance pages
- Seasonal promotions
- Geographic redirects
- When unsure if move is permanent
SEO impact
302 redirects don't transfer SEO value, so the original URL retains its rankings. Use only when the move is truly temporary.
Comparison table
| Factor | 301 Redirect | 302 Redirect |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent | Temporary |
| SEO Value Transfer | Yes | No |
| Use Case | Permanent moves | Temporary redirects |
| Search Engine Behavior | Indexes new URL | May keep old URL indexed |
Best practices
- Use 301 for permanent moves – Preserves SEO value
- Avoid redirect chains – Redirect directly to final destination
- Update internal links – Change links to point to new URLs
- Monitor redirects – Check for broken redirects regularly
- Test redirects – Verify they work correctly
Managing redirects on iServerGo
iServerGo's cpanel hosting on hong kong hosting, us web hosting, and eu web hosting includes easy redirect management tools. You can set up 301 and 302 redirects through the control panel or .htaccess file.
Our support team can help you implement redirects correctly to preserve SEO value during site migrations or URL changes.
Need help with redirects? Contact our team for assistance with redirect setup and SEO best practices.
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