301 Redirect SEO
Here's how I actually work with 301 redirect seo when the stakes are real.
Start here
- A 301 redirect means the move is permanent, not temporary.
- It automatically sends users and crawlers from the old URL to the new URL.
- Google documents redirects as a way to resolve an existing URL to a different one and tell Google Search a page has a new location.
For SEO, 301 redirects help preserve search visibility when a page, folder, or domain changes by sending users and Google to the preferred URL. They are the standard choice for permanent moves, consolidation, and canonical destination changes.
Example
A 301 redirect means the move is permanent, not temporary.
Quick start
- Define the goal for this topic.
- Check the live SERP format.
- Improve one page that matches the intent.
- Measure in Google Search Console.
Common mistakes
- Treating the topic as a one-time task
- Ignoring search intent
- Copying tactics without checking your SERP
Next step
Quick answers
What is a 301 redirect?
A 301 redirect is an HTTP status code that tells browsers and search engines a URL has permanently moved to a new location. It automatically sends users and crawlers from the old URL to the new URL.
How does a 301 redirect affect SEO?
A 301 redirect helps preserve search visibility by transferring ranking signals and link equity to the target URL. It is the standard choice for permanent URL changes, site restructuring, and domain migrations.
What is the difference between a 301 and 302 redirect?
A 301 redirect indicates a permanent move, while a 302 redirect indicates a temporary move. Search engines treat them differently: 301 passes link equity, while 302 does not.
When should I use a 301 redirect?
Use a 301 redirect when a URL has permanently changed, such as after a site migration, URL restructuring, merging pages, or changing from HTTP to HTTPS.
Sources
Primary documentation is linked directly. Anything commercial is marked nofollow.
- Google Search Central: Redirects and Google Search — Primary source for how Google treats redirects and URL changes.
- Google Search Central: URL moves and site migration guidance — Best source for SEO migration practices and redirect implementation.
- Moz: Redirects, SEO Impact & Types — Widely cited SEO reference explaining redirect types and use cases.
Notes from Callum Bennett.