A Redirect is a technique used to reroute web traffic from one URL to another. This is commonly implemented when a webpage has been moved to a new address, ensuring that users and search engines are directed to the correct location. Redirects play a crucial role in maintaining a seamless user experience and preserving search engine rankings by informing that the original content has been relocated, rather than removed.
There are two primary types of redirects:
- Permanent Redirect (301): This type of redirect signals that a page has permanently moved to a new location. It passes most of the search engine ranking power to the redirected page, making it the preferred method for permanent changes.
- Temporary Redirect (302): Used when a page or resource is temporarily moved or the content is being updated. It does not pass significant ranking power to the new URL, as it indicates that the move is not permanent.
Employing the appropriate redirect ensures users find what they’re looking for and helps maintain the integrity of your website’s SEO performance.