301 Redirect
A permanent HTTP status code that tells search engines and browsers that a page has moved permanently to a new URL. This server-side redirect passes approximately 90-99% of link equity to the destination page, making it essential for maintaining SEO value during site migrations and URL changes.
Ecommerce SEO Glossary > Technical SEO > 301 Redirect
What You Need to Know about 301 Redirect
Implement Server-Side Redirects Only
Never use meta refresh or JavaScript redirects for SEO purposes. Only server-side 301 redirects pass link equity effectively.
Chain Redirects Harm Performance
Multiple sequential redirects slow page loading and dilute link equity. Always redirect directly to the final destination URL.
Monitor Redirect Response Times
Redirects add server processing time. Regularly audit redirect speed to prevent negative impacts on Core Web Vitals scores.
Update Internal Links After Implementation
Don’t rely solely on redirects for internal navigation. Update internal links to point directly to new URLs whenever possible.
Set Up Proper Redirect Monitoring
Track redirect status codes and destination URLs regularly. Broken redirect chains can cause significant traffic and ranking losses.
Plan Redirects Before URL Changes
Map old URLs to new destinations before launching changes. Proper planning prevents redirect errors that harm user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about 301 Redirect
1. How long should I keep 301 redirects active?
Keep redirects active indefinitely for important pages. Google may take months to fully transfer signals to new URLs.
2. Do 301 redirects pass all link equity to the new page?
Modern 301 redirects pass nearly all link equity, typically 90-99%, making them the best option for permanent moves.
3. Can too many redirects hurt my website’s performance?
Yes, excessive redirect chains slow loading times and can negatively impact Core Web Vitals and user experience metrics.
4. Should I redirect deleted pages to my homepage?
Only redirect to homepage if genuinely relevant. Create custom 404 pages or redirect to topically similar content instead.
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