There are many blogs that explain URL redirecting methods, SEO, and what the best practices are! However, we want to take some of those tips and streamline them a little more for you!
So let’s start off with what a URL redirect is and why should you even use them?
URL Redirect is used to redirect (forward) your domain's visitors to a different URL. By using a URL redirect you can forward your domain name to any website, webpage, etc., which is available online to that user. Redirects are not BAD for SEO; however, you need to put them in the correct place. Like anything, a bad implementation with a project could consequently have negative affects such as loss of traffic to your website.
As highlighted in our Instagram (@creativedynamicsva) posts regarding the different types of redirects we can use, it really is a matter of asking ourselves what is our main goal with our website? Overall, we want to send our user back to a specific browser and we can do this by two main codes (there are several others too, but we want to stick to the basics here). These codes are:
301 – The webpage has moved permanently.
302 – The webpage has moved temporarily.
Let’s highlight a few reasons why one my use a redirect.
301:
Domain Change: As your company grows, you are likely to reorganize your website to a new platform and perhaps change your domain name. This is a critical time to utilize 301 redirects and let search engines, such as Google, know that your old pages have not disappeared.
New Content Pages: As you move things around, you may see new content pages will be present, while others may disappear.
302:
A/B Testing: Perhaps you want to perform A/B testing for your marketing department and you need to send visitors to a temporary URL in order to gain insight on your audience.
Client Feedback / Consistent Experience: Another great way to use a 302 redirect is when you updating your website and you want to temporarily provide your users with a consistent experience, without letting them know you are in a middle of an upgrade.
Depending on the platform you use, it’s best to review how they suggest you implement a redirect. Currently, our website is on Wix and they have great guidelines on how you can implement a 301 redirect. However, if you are using larger platforms such as Kentico CMS and/or Sitecore, ask your developer how you implement these rules in the backend. The one thing I’ve learned! There are no dumb questions when it comes to learning more about your business, and more specifically, when it comes to your website! Let’s be honest, your website really is the best investment compared to any form of advertising, so why not learn more about your platform!
“My definition of success? The more you’re actively and practically engaged, the more successful you will feel.” – Richard Branson
Cheers,
From the Creative Dynamics Team!