Redirects are instructions used to automatically send website visitors from one URL to another. Redirects are commonly used to redirect users from old or outdated URLs to new or updated ones, to consolidate multiple pages or domains into a single destination, or to fix broken links and improve website usability. There are several types of redirects, including 301 redirects (permanent redirects), 302 redirects (temporary redirects), and meta refresh redirects, each serving different purposes and having different implications for search engine optimization (SEO) and user experience.
301 redirects are the most commonly used type of redirect and are recommended for permanently redirecting users and search engine bots from one URL to another. 301 redirects pass the full link equity (ranking power) from the old URL to the new one, making them ideal for preserving SEO value and preventing broken links. On the other hand, 302 redirects are temporary redirects that are used for short-term purposes, such as redirecting users during website maintenance or testing. Meta refresh redirects are less commonly used and are implemented using HTML meta tags to automatically redirect users after a specified time interval.
Also see: 404 errors, 301 redirects, 302 redirects, HTTPS, SSL certificate, Content gap analysis for SEO, Competitor analysis for SEO, Keyword research tools, SEO plugins, SEO audits, SEO reporting, SEO training, SEO trends, SEO best practices, SEO case studies
