A 301 redirect is a type of HTTP status code that indicates a permanent redirect from one URL to another. When a user or search engine crawler requests a page with a 301 redirect, they are automatically redirected to the new URL, and the new URL replaces the original URL in search engine results.
The use of 301 redirects is an important part of search engine optimization (SEO) as it helps to maintain the search engine ranking and link equity of the original page while providing a better user experience by directing users to the updated or correct URL.
301 redirects are typically used in a variety of scenarios, including:
- When a website or page has been permanently moved to a new URL
- When a website or page has been merged with another page or website
- When a website or page has been updated or redesigned and a new URL has been assigned
It is important to use a 301 redirect instead of a temporary redirect (302) or a client-side redirect (JavaScript or meta refresh) to maintain the search engine ranking and link equity of the original page, and to provide a consistent user experience for users and search engines.