A 301 redirect (or simply a '301') is one type of HTTP redirect, which automatically redirects attempts to visit a web page at one specific URL to a different URL. A 301 redirect indicates to search engines that this redirect is intended to be permanent, and the new URL should be considered the up to date location for that web page. Search performance can suffer when 302 redirects (indicating a temporary redirect) have been used instead of a 301 (permanent redirect).
What is the difference between "HTTP 301 Moved Permanently" and "HTTP 302 Found"?
There are several differences between these two redirect types. The HTTP 301 Moved Permanently response is for permanent (301) redirects and tells search engines that the content has been moved permanently. The HTTP 302 Found response is limited to a single occasion. If you get a '302' once, it's by mistake – don't use it again! This allows search engines to see that your site has moved, but lets them know that you still have an active presence at the old URL (it's just temporary). This means that 301s can help you keep the link equity that you gain from your old content to your new content.
A 301 redirect indicates to search engines that this redirect is intended to be permanent, and the new URL should be considered the up to date location for that web page. In contrast, a 302 redirect indicates to search engines that this redirect is intended to be temporary, and the original URL should still be shown in search results.
When should I use HTTP 301 Moved Permanently?
It's best practice for all URLs of a set of pages or site (such as www.sitename.com/products/ , www.sitename.com/services/ etc. ) to 301 redirect to the home page of your site (www.sitename.com). This will ensure that users can easily find your most important pages, without any confusion about which is the 'main' URL of your site.
It's also good practice for a 301 redirect to be used when you decide to re-brand your website, move a website or move a page or directory on your site. A re-branding is when there are no changes to content or layout, but you change the name of the company / service provider / brand and 301 redirect any existing links from the old brand name to the new brand name.
