What is a 301 Redirect?
A permanent redirect from one URL to another, used when content moves to a new address.
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Quick Answer
A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect. When a server returns a 301, it tells browsers and search engines that the URL has moved permanently to a new address, and the new address should be used from now on. The 301 is the redirect type used when content moves, sites are reorganized, or short links are set up.
Full Definition
HTTP status codes communicate the result of a web request. The 301 code, formally “301 Moved Permanently,” tells the browser that the requested URL has been replaced by another and to use the new URL in the future. Modern browsers cache 301 redirects, so subsequent visits go directly to the new URL.
Search engines treat 301 redirects as signals that the new URL should inherit the ranking authority of the old one. Over time, search engines update their indexes to use the new URL in place of the old, transferring most of the SEO value.
Why It Matters
301 redirects are the standard way to handle URL changes without losing SEO value or breaking incoming links. Anytime content moves to a new address, the right move is a 301 from the old URL to the new one. Without it, search engines and visitors hit 404 errors and the page disappears from search results.
URL shorteners use 301 redirects to redirect short links to their destinations. This signals to search engines that the short link consistently leads to the same destination, which is how branded short links can accumulate trust and authority over time.
How ShortifyMe Handles It
ShortifyMe short links use 301 redirects. When someone clicks a ShortifyMe short link, the server returns a 301 response with the destination URL, and the browser follows it. This is the recommended redirect type for URL shorteners and is what makes branded short links work for SEO over time.
Related Terms
Redirect
A rule that automatically sends visitors from one URL to another.
URL Shortener
A tool that turns a long web address into a clean, short, shareable link.
Permalink
A URL that stays the same permanently, so it works as a stable reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 301 is permanent; a 302 is temporary. Use a 301 when content has moved for good. Use a 302 when the redirect is short-term, like during a site update or a seasonal campaign.
Yes. Search engines treat 301 redirects as a signal to transfer ranking authority from the old URL to the new one. Most of the authority transfers, though some sources estimate a small loss in the process.
It depends on your server or platform. WordPress has plugins for redirects, web hosts often have redirect controls in their admin panels, and direct server configuration files (like .htaccess) can also set them up.
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