A 301 redirect is a permanent server-side redirect that tells search engines a page has permanently moved to a new URL. It passes approximately 90-99% of the original page's link equity (PageRank) to the new URL and instructs search engines to update their index.
Why 301 Redirect matters for SEO
301 redirects are essential for preserving SEO value when URLs change (site migrations, domain changes, URL restructures). Using the wrong redirect type (302 instead of 301) prevents link equity from passing and keeps the old URL indexed.
Pro tip on 301 Redirect
Use 301 redirects for all permanent URL changes. Never use 302 (temporary) redirects for permanent moves. Avoid redirect chains by pointing directly to the final URL. Keep redirects active for at least 12 months after migration.
301 Redirect vs 302 Redirect
A 301 redirect is permanent and passes link equity. A 302 redirect is temporary and does not pass link equity. Use 301 for permanent URL changes (migrations, restructures). Use 302 only for genuinely temporary changes (A/B tests, maintenance pages).
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