Definition
A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect from one URL to another.
Comprehensive Explanation
When a webpage is moved to a new location, a 301 redirect is used to send users and search engines to the new URL. It’s called “permanent” because it indicates that the move is not temporary. Using a 301 redirect correctly is crucial for maintaining a site’s domain authority and search rankings. It ensures that users and search engines are directed to the correct page, prevents broken links, and consolidates link equity (the value passed from one site to another).
Types
- Domain-Level Redirect: Redirects the entire website to a new domain.
- Page-Level Redirect: Redirects one specific page to another.
Examples
- Website Rebranding: If a company changes its domain name as part of a rebranding effort, a 301 redirect would be used to send visitors from the old domain to the new one.
- Consolidating Web Pages: If two pages on a website are merged into one, a 301 redirect would direct users from the old page URLs to the new combined page.
What You Should Know
- SEO Impact: Proper use of 301 redirects is important for SEO. It helps preserve the search engine ranking of the redirected page.
- Implementation: They can be implemented through the .htaccess file on Apache servers, through server configuration on other types of servers, or via plugins on content management systems like WordPress.
- Monitoring: After implementing a 301 redirect, monitor the page’s traffic to ensure that it is being correctly redirected and that there is no negative impact on your site’s overall SEO performance.
A 301 redirect is a powerful tool for website management and SEO strategy. It ensures users and search engines are directed to the correct content, which is crucial for maintaining site usability and search rankings.