301 Redirect
A permanent redirect (HTTP status code) that sends visitors and search engines from an old URL to a new one, passing along most of the old page's ranking value.
A 301 redirect permanently points one URL to another. When a page moves or is replaced, a 301 sends anyone who visits the old address to the new one — and tells search engines the move is permanent so they update their records.
301 vs. 302
A 301 is permanent; a 302 is temporary. Use a 301 when a page has moved for good, since it passes along most of the original page’s ranking value. A 302 signals the change is only short-term.
Why it matters
Redirecting old URLs correctly preserves your traffic and rankings when you restructure a site or retire pages - broken or wrong redirects can quietly lose both.
Related Terms
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A written description of an image in a page's HTML, used by screen readers and search engines to understand what the image shows.
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Anchor Text
The visible, clickable words of a hyperlink, which give readers and search engines a clue about the linked page's topic.
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Backlink
A link from one website to another. Backlinks act as votes of confidence that help search engines judge a site's authority.