A 302 redirect is a temporary redirect that sends users and search engines from one URL to another while preserving the original URL's search rankings and authority.
Preserves Original URL Rankings
Unlike 301 redirects, 302s tell search engines the move is temporary, keeping rankings with the original URL.
Common Implementation Mistakes
Many sites accidentally use 302s for permanent moves, causing SEO issues and ranking confusion over time.
Technical Setup Requirements
Proper 302 implementation requires correct HTTP status codes and server configuration to avoid indexing problems.
Search Engine Interpretation
Google and other search engines may eventually treat long-standing 302s as permanent redirects, transferring rankings.
Ecommerce Use Cases
Temporary redirects work well for seasonal campaigns, A/B testing, and maintenance pages without losing product page authority.
Performance Impact Considerations
Multiple redirect chains slow page speed and can hurt user experience, especially on mobile devices.
When should you use a 302 redirect instead of a 301?
Use 302 redirects for temporary moves like maintenance, testing, or seasonal campaigns where the original URL will return.
Do 302 redirects pass link equity like 301 redirects?
302 redirects typically don't pass full link equity, as search engines expect the original URL to return.
Can too many 302 redirects hurt SEO performance?
Yes, excessive 302 redirects create crawl inefficiencies and can confuse search engines about which URL to index.
How long can you keep a 302 redirect active?
There's no set limit, but long-term 302s may eventually be treated as permanent redirects by search engines.
301 Redirect
A permanent server-side redirect that passes nearly all link equity from the original URL to the destination. Essential for preserving SEO value during site migrations, URL changes, and domain consolidations.
Redirect
A server instruction that automatically sends users and search engines from one URL to another. Proper redirect implementation preserves link equity, prevents broken experiences, and is essential during site migrations and URL changes.
Status Codes
Three-digit HTTP response codes indicating the outcome of a server request. Understanding status codes (2xx success, 3xx redirects, 4xx client errors, 5xx server errors) is fundamental to technical SEO troubleshooting.
Related Glossary Terms
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