301 vs 302 Redirects: What’s the Difference & When to Use Each

Redirects are a crucial part of web development and SEO. They help you guide users and search engines from one URL to another without breaking links or losing traffic. However, not all redirects are created equal. The two most commonly used are 301 and 302 redirects, and using the wrong one can impact your website's performance and SEO.

In this guide, we'll explore what 301 and 302 redirects are, how they differ, when to use them, and their impact on SEO.

What is Redirect?

A redirect is a way to send both users and search engines from one URL to another. It's like saying: "Hey, the page you're looking for has moved. Here's the new location."

This is done using HTTP status codes, and the most common ones for redirects are:

• 301 (Permanent Redirect)

• 302 (Temporary Redirect)

What is a 301 Redirect?

A 301 redirect tells browsers and search engines that a page has been moved permanently to a new URL.

Key Points:

• Transfers 90-99% of SEO value (link juice) to the new page.

• Updates the search engine index to the new URL.

• Ideal for long-term or permanent changes.

Use Cases:

• Moving your website to a new domain.

• Changing a URL structure for SEO.

• Deleting a page and forwarding traffic to a similar one.

What is a 302 Redirect?

A 302 redirect means the page has been moved temporarily, and the original URL might come back in the future.

Key Points:

• Does not transfer SEO value permanently.

• Search engines keep the original URL in their index.

• Best for short-term use.

Use Cases:

• A/B testing different versions of a page.

• Temporarily redirecting users during maintenance.

• Seasonal campaigns or limited-time promotions.

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