301Redirect

A 301 redirect, also known as a Moved Permanently redirect, is an HTTP status code that tells web browsers and search engines that a webpage has been permanently moved to a new location. When a user or search engine tries to access a URL that has been redirected, the server responds with a 301 status code, along with the new URL. This instructs the browser to automatically load the content from the new address instead of the old one.

The primary purpose of a 301 redirect is to maintain search engine optimization (SEO) value. When a webpage is moved, its ranking signals, such as backlinks and page authority, are transferred to the new URL. This prevents a loss of traffic and search engine visibility. Without a 301 redirect, if a user or search engine tries to access the old URL, they would encounter a 404 Not Found error, which is detrimental to SEO and user experience.

Common scenarios where 301 redirects are used include changing a website's domain name, reorganizing website structure by changing URL paths, migrating from HTTP to HTTPS, or consolidating duplicate content. Implementing 301 redirects is a crucial part of website management and is considered best practice for ensuring a seamless transition when content moves. It benefits both users by directing them to the correct page and search engines by preserving SEO equity.