When it comes to optimizing your website for search engines and user experience, redirects are a powerful—but often misunderstood—tool. Whether you're launching a new website, cleaning up outdated URLs, or rebranding your business, knowing the difference between a 301 and 302 redirect is essential to preserving your SEO value and keeping your visitors engaged.
Let’s break down what a 301 redirect is, how it differs from a 302, and why working with an experienced web development team can make all the difference.
A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect from one URL to another. It tells browsers and search engines: “Hey, this page has permanently moved—go here instead.”
It’s most commonly used when:
Why it matters: A 301 redirect passes nearly 100% of the original page’s SEO value to the new URL. That means you won’t lose your hard-earned search rankings when the change is properly implemented.
A 302 redirect is a temporary redirect. It signals to browsers and search engines that the original URL may return in the future.
Typical uses include:
SEO implications: Unlike a 301, a 302 redirect does not pass SEO authority to the new page. If used incorrectly, it can create confusion for search engines—and you could lose valuable search rankings.
|
Feature |
301 Redirect |
302 Redirect |
|
Type of redirect |
Permanent |
Temporary |
|
SEO value passed |
Yes (nearly 100%) |
No (or minimal) |
|
Use cases |
Rebranding, URL changes, mergers |
Promotions, A/B testing, downtime |
|
Signals to search engines |
Update index |
Keep original in index |
Bottom line: If you're making a permanent change, use a 301. If it's only temporary, a 302 is appropriate. Misusing these redirects can hurt your SEO—and your bottom line.
Redirects may seem simple, but poor implementation can:
Partnering with a seasoned local digital marketing agency like Fable Heart Media ensures:
✅ Strategic URL mapping based on content structure and SEO goals
✅ Proper redirect implementation across site platforms (WordPress, Shopify, custom CMSs)
✅ SEO-safe transitions during site migrations or redesigns
✅ Ongoing monitoring and reporting to catch errors early
Want to make sure your redirects—and your entire digital presence—are done right? We’d love that for you too.
With years of experience leading award-winning digital campaigns and ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish, our team can help you future-proof your site and keep your SEO strong no matter what changes you plan to make. We’ve done it before and we’d be happy to do it again for your small-to-medium business, because you’ve got the stellar products and services, now it’s simply time to spread the word.
👉 Spots are filling up fast – book your complimentary strategy session with our Founder and Creative Director, Nick Leonard, today! He’ll arrive ready with a plan of action and key insights completely custom to your vertical.