What is a Redirect?
A redirect is an instruction that automatically forwards a user and search engine from one URL to a different URL. Redirects are implemented using HTTP status codes, with 301 (permanent) and 302 (temporary) being the most common types.
How Does Redirect Work?
Redirects are essential for maintaining SEO value and user experience when URLs change. A 301 redirect tells search engines that a page has permanently moved, transferring link equity to the new URL. A 302 redirect indicates a temporary move, keeping the original URL indexed. Redirects can be configured at the server level using Apache .htaccess files, Nginx configuration blocks, or application-level routing.
Common use cases for redirects include migrating to a new domain, switching from HTTP to HTTPS, consolidating www and non-www versions of a site, and handling deleted or restructured content. Improperly configured redirects can create redirect chains or loops that slow page loading and confuse search engines, so it is important to redirect directly to the final destination URL whenever possible.