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HTTP 301 Moved Permanently

🛠️ What is an HTTP 301 Moved Permanently?

An HTTP 301 Moved Permanently status code is a server response that indicates the resource requested has been permanently moved to a new URL. It is a directive to both search engines and users that the page has a new permanent location.

⭐ Why is HTTP 301 Important in SEO?

HTTP 301 redirects are crucial for maintaining the link equity and SEO value of a page when its URL changes. Without a 301 redirect, the change could confuse search engines and lose valuable traffic.

⚙️ How Does HTTP 301 Work?

  1. A user or search engine requests a URL that has been moved.
  2. The server responds with a 301 status code, redirecting the request to the new URL.
  3. The browser or crawler automatically addresses the new location.
  4. The server sends the content from the new URL.

📌 Examples of Using HTTP 301

  • Redirecting from the non-www to the www version of a site.
  • Redirecting from an old domain to a new domain.
  • Changing a page's URL structure for SEO purposes.

✅ Best Practices for HTTP 301 Redirections

  • Use a 301 redirect for permanent URL changes.
  • Ensure all internal links point to the new URLs to avoid unnecessary redirects.
  • Monitor your redirect chains and fix any that are too long.
  • Regularly check for broken redirects that could harm user experience.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid with HTTP 301

  • Using 301 for temporary redirects instead of 302.
  • Failing to update internal links to the new URLs.
  • Creating redirect chains or loops.

🛠️ Useful Tools for Managing Redirects

  • Google Search Console - monitor and fix redirect errors.
  • Ahrefs - analyze and manage your site's redirects.
  • Screaming Frog - find redirect chains and loops.

📊 Quick Facts About HTTP 301

  • 301 redirects pass about 90-99% of the link equity.
  • They're the preferred method of forwarding URLs for SEO.
  • Incorrect use can lead to a loss in traffic and rankings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About HTTP 301

Does a 301 redirect pass link equity?

Yes, a 301 redirect transfers about 90-99% of the link equity from the old URL to the new one.

How long should I keep a 301 redirect?

It's recommended to keep 301 redirects indefinitely to guide users and maintain SEO value.

Can a 301 redirect harm my SEO?

If implemented incorrectly, such as creating redirect chains or loops, it can negatively impact SEO.

🔍 Related SEO Terms

📚 Learn More About HTTP 301

📝 Key Takeaways

  • HTTP 301 redirects are used for permanent URL changes.
  • Essential for maintaining SEO value and link equity.
  • Proper implementation is crucial to avoid traffic loss.