In this tutorial, we will explain the 301 Moved Permanently redirect status code and provide guidance on how to resolve it. A 301 Moved Permanently is an HTTP status code. It indicates the webpage has been permanently redirected to a new URL. The HTTP 301 cannot be considered an error, as it is more of an indication for redirection. If the client is experiencing a 301 error, it means that the resource has been moved permanently.
In the following paragraphs, we will provide a brief explanation of the HTTP 301 Redirect. We will cover its causes and how to resolve it if it occurs unexpectedly.
Table of Contents
What is a 301 Moved Permanently Redirect?
The HTTP 301 Redirect Permanent status code indicates a permanent redirect from an old URL to a new one. The requested resource, shown by this status code, has been permanently moved to the URL specified in the Location header. The HTTP 301 status code belongs to the HTTP 3xx status code family, which signifies a redirection. It means the client needs to take further action — usually to access a resource at a different URL — to complete the request. When an HTTP 301 permanent status code is returned, the requested resource has been permanently moved to a new URL. Consequently, the client should update its domain records. In other words, the HTTP 301 permanent redirect guarantees that anyone accessing the old URL is automatically taken to the new one.
When is the HTTP 301 Redirect used?
The HTTP 301 Redirect is used when a new website is created under a new domain. The user redirects the old domain to the new one. The 301 redirect should be set up in the .htaccess file if using the Apache web server. Otherwise, if it is using the Nginx web server, the redirect is set in the Nginx virtual host file. When the website is rebranded or the domain is renamed, to maintain the website’s SEO, we must use the HTTP 301 Redirect.
Another example of using the HTTP 301 redirect is when we want to remove outdated content that is no longer relevant from our website. The 301 redirect can guide users to an alternative resource on the website, such as the homepage.
To summarize the above, we use HTTP 301 redirects when we want to change the page’s URL while keeping its content. This occurs when moving the website to a new domain, resolving broken links, switching from HTTP to HTTPS, consolidating duplicate pages, and so on.
When does the HTTP 301 become an Error?
In the previous paragraph, we explained when to use the HTTP 301 redirect, and we did not consider it an error. But unfortunately, the HTTP 301 redirect can become an error, and there are multiple causes for that. We will list them in this heading.
Redirect Loops happen when the URL redirects back to itself, or there’s a cycle of redirects with no web server endpoint. The endless looping causes the HTTP 301 Error.
Mixed Redirects are redirect types used temporarily instead of permanent redirects. This can send mixed signals to search engine bots.
Broken redirects occur when the destination URL does not exist, resulting in a dead end for visitors.
Orphaned Redirects are redirects that no longer serve anything. The content they have been pointing to has been removed or changed without updating the redirect.
How to Fix the 301 Error Message?
There are a few steps to follow for fixing the 301 Message, which will be explained in the following section.
Check the .htaccess file for errors in the URL linking. In the .htaccess file, the redirects are defined with the RewriteCond and RewriteRule rewrite directives.
Fix the broken redirects by removing URLs that link to pages that have already been deleted.
Remove Redirect Loops or Chains. A redirect chain is when there is more than one redirect between two URLs. A redirect loop occurs when the URL redirects back to another URL within the same chain.
Use a third-party tool to detect any 301 errors that might need to be modified.
Check the Sitemap and make sure that any 301 status codes for nonexistent pages are removed.
The SEO Impact of 301 Redirects
HTTP 301 redirects are crucial for a website’s SEO. They directly impact search rankings when the URL changes. The HTTP 301 redirects ensure users and search engines are directed to the corrected page. These redirects help the search engines understand that the new URL is the successor to the old one. Additionally, they enhance the user experience and prevent users from encountering 404 errors when the old page is no longer accessible. It is essential to know how to use 301 redirects properly, as they protect your site’s SEO health.
That’s it. You learned about the HTTP 301 Permanent Redirect Status Code, including how to use it and how to resolve any 301 errors.
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