Help & Resource Center

301 & 302 Redirects

Question

What's the difference between a 301 Redirect and a 302 Redirect?

Answer

A 301 Redirect tells search engines when a page has been permanently moved to a new location. A 302 Redirect tells search engines when a page has been temporarily moved.

This idea may be best explained with the following illustration.

301 Redirect

If you moved your store you would put up a sign on the door letting people you know you've permanently moved to a new location.

301-sorry-we-ve-moved.png

302 Redirect

If you went out to lunch, you would put up a sign letting people know when you'd be back.

302-will-return.png

In almost all cases you want to make sure you're using a 301 Redirect instead of a 302 Redirect!