Planning to implement a redirect but unsure about the distinction between a 301 and 302 redirect? Understanding the fundamental difference between these two types is crucial. A 301 redirect signifies a permanent URL change, whereas a 302 redirect indicates a temporary relocation.Continue reading to delve deeper into 301 and 302 redirects, and uncover insights on:
What constitutes a 301 Redirect?
What is a 302 Redirect?
What separates a 301 from a 302 Redirect?
Why is the choice of redirect type significant?
Should you opt for a 301 or a 302 Redirect?
Stay updated with the latest digital marketing strategies by subscribing to our email newsletter!A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that signifies a page’s permanent move to a new location.Businesses often employ 301 redirects to ensure that visitors who omit the “www” portion of the URL still land on the correct page.Common scenarios include redirecting users from misspelled versions of a company’s domain to the main site. For instance, Google has a 301 redirect for “gooogle.com” to guide users to the correct site. 
A 302 redirect is a temporary redirect used to direct users to a new site or page temporarily, such as during page redesigns or updates.This redirect should only be used when planning to revert to the original page.When comparing 301 vs. 302 redirects, the primary distinction lies in their purpose. A 301 redirect is suitable for permanent site changes, whereas a 302 redirect is intended to maintain the original page.Another difference is how search engines interpret these redirects. We will explore this further, but search engines rely on the correct use of redirects to determine page rankings.A common misconception is that companies only use 302 redirects. However, the choice of redirect impacts SEO. 302 redirects do not transfer value to the redirected page, keeping the value on the original page, as they are perceived as short-term.Thus, a permanent redirect is necessary to transfer value from the old page to the new one. Essentially, 302 redirects have no impact on SEO when used correctly.When considering redirect types, it’s essential to use them appropriately. Use a 301 redirect for:
Changing a webpage URL
Creating a new website or page
Merging websites
Migrating from HTTP to HTTPSOn the other hand, use a 302 redirect for:
Seeking feedback on a new page without affecting the site’s original search ranking
Running a promotional sale and temporarily redirecting visitors to a sales page
Conducting A/B testing on site functionality or design
Redirecting users to the appropriate page based on language or locationNow that you’ve learned about the 301 vs. 302 redirect debate, you may feel uncertain about your site’s needs. Avoid potential mistakes by seeking assistance from the marketing experts at WebFX. With over 28 years of experience, we are well-versed in creating both temporary and permanent redirects.We can also help with other aspects of your SEO strategy, including keyword integration and page speed optimization. Contact us online or call 888-601-5359 to discuss our SEO services with a strategist!
