Article Content:
URL redirects are an essential part of managing a website, especially during content updates, migrations, or when handling broken pages. But not all redirects are the same, and using the wrong type can hurt your SEO.
This article explains the difference between 301 and 302 redirects, their impact on SEO, and when to use each.
1. What is a URL Redirect?
A URL redirect automatically sends visitors and search engines from one URL to another. It helps in:
Fixing broken links
Changing URLs for SEO
Moving or merging content
Rebranding or changing domain names
2. What is a 301 Redirect?
A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect. It tells search engines:
👉 “This page has moved permanently to a new location.”
SEO Benefits:
✅ Passes 90-99% of link equity (ranking power)
✅ Recommended for deleted or moved content
✅ Helps retain SEO traffic and backlinks
3. What is a 302 Redirect?
A 302 redirect is temporary. It tells search engines:
👉 “This page is temporarily located elsewhere but will return.”
SEO Impact:
⚠️ Does not always pass link equity
⚠️ Search engines may keep the original page indexed
❌ Not ideal for permanent changes
4. When to Use 301 Redirects
Use a 301 redirect when:
You permanently change the URL of a page
You're consolidating duplicate pages
You're redirecting HTTP to HTTPS
You’re migrating to a new domain
5. When to Use 302 Redirects
Use a 302 redirect when:
You’re temporarily moving content (e.g., for A/B testing or maintenance)
You plan to restore the original URL soon
You’re redirecting based on location or device
6. How to Set Up a Redirect
For Apache servers, use .htaccess:
For Nginx:
Many CMS platforms (like WordPress) also offer plugins to manage redirects easily.
7. How Redirects Affect SEO
| Feature | 301 Redirect | 302 Redirect |
|---|---|---|
| SEO Safe | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Not always |
| Link Equity Transfer | ✅ High | ❌ Low or none |
| Indexing | ✅ New URL indexed | ❌ Old URL may stay |
| Use Case | Permanent move | Temporary change |
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using 302 when you mean 301
❌ Chaining multiple redirects (redirect to redirect)
❌ Redirecting to irrelevant pages
❌ Not updating internal links after redirection
9. Testing and Monitoring Redirects
Use tools like:
Google Search Console (Coverage & URL Inspection)
Screaming Frog SEO Spider
Redirect-checker.org
Make sure redirects are working as intended and not slowing down your site.
10. Conclusion
Redirects are powerful SEO tools—but only when used correctly. A 301 redirect should be your go-to for permanent changes, while 302 is best for temporary situations. Misusing redirects can lead to traffic loss and ranking issues, so always double-check your strategy.
Stay organized, use the correct type of redirect, and ensure a smooth user and bot experience.