What to Know:
– Google’s John Mueller discusses redirect types and technical SEO in a video from Google Search Central.
– Mueller debunks common myths and misconceptions surrounding redirects.
– He explains the differences between 301 and 302 redirects and how they impact SEO.
– Mueller also addresses the use of JavaScript redirects and the importance of handling redirect chains properly.
– He emphasizes the need for webmasters to understand the purpose and implications of different redirect types.
The Full Story:
Google’s John Mueller recently shared insights on redirect types and technical SEO in a video from Google Search Central. In the video, Mueller debunks common myths and misconceptions surrounding redirects and provides valuable information for webmasters.
One of the main topics Mueller addresses is the difference between 301 and 302 redirects. He explains that a 301 redirect is a permanent redirect, indicating that the original URL has permanently moved to a new location. On the other hand, a 302 redirect is a temporary redirect, indicating that the original URL has temporarily moved to a different location.
Mueller emphasizes that using the correct redirect type is crucial for SEO. If a webmaster wants to permanently redirect a page to a new URL, a 301 redirect should be used. This ensures that search engines understand that the original URL has permanently moved and should transfer the ranking signals to the new URL. In contrast, using a 302 redirect for a permanent move can result in the loss of ranking signals and negatively impact SEO.
Another topic Mueller addresses is the use of JavaScript redirects. He explains that JavaScript redirects can be problematic for search engines because they may not be able to follow the redirect and understand the new URL. Mueller advises webmasters to use server-side redirects whenever possible, as they are more reliable and easier for search engines to process.
Mueller also highlights the importance of handling redirect chains properly. A redirect chain occurs when multiple redirects are in place between the original URL and the final destination. This can happen when a website undergoes multiple redesigns or when URLs are changed multiple times. Mueller explains that redirect chains can slow down the crawling and indexing process for search engines, potentially impacting SEO. He recommends minimizing redirect chains and ensuring that each redirect is necessary and serves a specific purpose.
Throughout the video, Mueller emphasizes the need for webmasters to have a clear understanding of redirect types and their implications. He encourages webmasters to carefully consider the purpose of each redirect and choose the appropriate redirect type accordingly. By using the correct redirect type and handling redirect chains properly, webmasters can ensure that their websites are optimized for search engines and provide a positive user experience.
In addition to the video, there is also a related discussion on the Google Search Central Help Community. Webmasters can ask questions and engage in conversations about redirects and technical SEO with other community members and Google experts.
Overall, the insights shared by John Mueller in the video and the accompanying discussion provide valuable information for webmasters looking to optimize their websites for search engines. Understanding the differences between redirect types and how they impact SEO is essential for ensuring that websites are properly indexed and ranked by search engines. By following best practices and avoiding common misconceptions, webmasters can improve their website’s visibility and user experience.
Original article: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-debunks-myths-surrounding-redirect-types/495321/