3xx Redirection Status Codes
Showing 8 status codes
HTTP 3xx status codes indicate that the client must take additional action to complete the request. These redirection responses are essential for URL management, SEO, and maintaining backward compatibility when URLs change.
The most critical 3xx codes for SEO are 301 Moved Permanently (for permanent URL changes that pass link equity) and 302 Found (for temporary redirects). Other important codes include 304 Not Modified (for caching), 307 Temporary Redirect (preserves HTTP method), and 308 Permanent Redirect (permanent redirect that preserves HTTP method).
Proper use of redirect status codes is crucial for maintaining search engine rankings and user experience. Using 301 redirects when URLs permanently change tells search engines to update their index and transfer page authority to the new URL.
3xx Redirection Status Codes FAQ
What is the difference between 301 and 302 redirects?
301 Moved Permanently indicates a permanent URL change and tells search engines to update their index and transfer page authority. 302 Found is for temporary redirects where the original URL should remain indexed. Use 301 for permanent changes and 302 when the redirect is temporary.
Which redirect is best for SEO?
For SEO, use 301 Moved Permanently for permanent URL changes as it passes link equity (ranking power) to the new URL. Use 302 Found only for genuinely temporary redirects. Using the wrong redirect type can result in lost search rankings.
What is the difference between 307 and 302 redirects?
307 Temporary Redirect and 302 Found both indicate temporary redirects, but 307 guarantees the HTTP method (GET, POST, etc.) will be preserved in the redirected request. 302's method handling can vary between browsers, while 307 is strictly defined to maintain the original method.