Use it when the move is permanent.
A 301 is useful for real URL changes. A temporary change normally needs a temporary redirect instead, such as 302 or 307.
A 301 redirect is a permanent server-side redirect from one URL to another.
It tells browsers and search engines: “This page moved permanently. Use the new URL.” Google also treats 308 as a permanent redirect.
301 redirects matter for SEO because they help Google and users reach the final URL when content, domains, protocol, or permalink structure changes.
When you should use a 301 ✅
If you do not redirect, you can create broken links, split signals across URL variants, or leave users on the wrong version of a page. If the replacement is not relevant, a clear 404 can be better than a misleading redirect.
301 redirect FAQ 🙋
Back to the dictionary.
What is a 301 redirect?
A 301 redirect is a permanent server-side redirect from one URL to another. It tells search engines to use the new URL.
What’s the difference between 301 and 302?
301 is permanent. 302 is temporary. If the URL move is permanent, 301 is usually the right choice; if it is temporary, use a temporary redirect.
Do 301 redirects pass SEO value?
In most cases, yes. Proper 301 redirects help Google consolidate signals from the old URL into the new URL.
When should I avoid redirecting?
Avoid redirecting to irrelevant pages. If there is no close replacement, a clear 404 can be better than a misleading redirect.
Can redirects cause issues?
Yes. Chains (A→B→C) and loops cause problems. Keep redirects direct and update internal links so they point to the final URL.
Not sure whether a URL needs a 301, 302, canonical, or 404?
Send the old URL, the intended new URL, and why the page changed. We can check whether a redirect protects users, search signals, and site structure.