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301 redirect

301 is an HTTP status for a permanent redirect to another address. The server supplies the destination in the Location header.

Permanent move

/old-guide → HTTP 301 · Location → /new-guide
Visitors and crawlers receive a new destination, which should provide corresponding content.
Text version
  • /old-guide
  • HTTP 301 · Location
  • /new-guide

Why it matters

It is used when a page has genuinely moved or an old URL should permanently lead to a new one. Visitors and crawlers receive a working destination.

How it works

A request to the old URL receives a 301 response and a new address. Google treats a permanent redirect as a signal that the target should become canonical. Internal links and sitemaps should be updated to the destination.

Example

Example: /old-guide returns HTTP 301 with Location: https://example.com/new-guide. The new address should provide corresponding content.

Common mistakes

Do not redirect unrelated old pages to the homepage simply to avoid 404 responses. Avoid chains and loops. Choose an appropriate temporary status when the move is temporary.

How can you check this in practice?

For a permanently moved page, return 301 with Location pointing to the best corresponding new URL. Update internal links, the sitemap and destination canonical. Check the complete chain and that the final response contains corresponding content, not a generic homepage.

Distinctions and limitations

301 is permanent; 302 temporary. 308 is also permanent and preserves the method. Choose according to the move's intent. Redirects do not replace canonicals for versions that need to remain accessible to visitors.

Official sources

Editorial responsibility: Martin Zhelyazkov · Founder of Z-Consult

Updated: 05/11/2026

For a correction or question: office@z-consult.bg