SEO glossary

301 redirect

Glossary termIntermediate

Short definition

A permanent redirect from one URL to another.

Beginner In plain English

A 301 redirect is like a change-of-address card. Visitors and search engines going to the old address are sent to the new one automatically.

Professional How pros use it

Use 301s for permanent moves; they consolidate signals to the target URL. Redirect to the closest relevant page, update internal links to the final URL and avoid chains and loops.

Examples

  • /old-menu/ redirecting to /menu/.
  • Redirecting http:// to https:// sitewide.

More detail

A permanent redirect from one URL to another, used when a page moves so visitors and ranking signals follow.

In client work, you will often need to explain this term in plain language, so practice describing it in one sentence.

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