Some people get the nerves when they see a bunch of numbers popping up unexpectedly after clicking a link or loading a page. Sometimes these instances indicate an error. However, there are times when it means a few changes have been made to the website to make it better. One of these is the 301 redirect.
Before we head on to explain why 301s are important, we’ll first introduce you to what a 301 is.
WHAT IS A 301 REDIRECT?
A 301 redirect is when you permanently redirect one URL to another. This usually happens when you change a URL or want to delete a page and redirect users to a new one. Basically, 301 redirects prevent you from having 404s.
A 301 redirect helps you keep your site architecture in order but there’s more to it than just organizing. 301s help keep traffic and transfer the old page’s existing search engine ranking to the new page you redirected to. This way, your search engine optimization is not disrupted.
WHEN TO USE A 301 REDIRECT
A 301 redirect will optimize website development by making your new site accessible and convenient to search engines and users. This will secure the success of your website because no one gets to see the glitches of the old site.
Eliminate several access points
Setting up a 301 redirect is crucial to make sure that the same traffic goes into your domain even when one is typed as http:// and the other as http://www. This eliminates any possible confusion and duplication from having multiple access points.
Moving to a new domain
It also serves other purposes like when you are permanently moving your website. If you’re changing from, for example, www.example.org to www.example.com this is where a 301 comes handy. It lets you transfer the rankings and users you earned through the original domain to the new one.
Changing your URL
When you change your dynamic URL into a shorter and simpler version, a 301 redirect needs to be in place. It saves you from having your current clients and the search engine bother the old one. It also eases the shift your audience will have to make from your old URL to the latest version.
Keep link authority and do away with the unusable
301 redirects secure the inbound links earned by your old page by transferring the link authority to the new one. It also helps when you are going to close down a temporary website or unused landing pages. Basically, a 301 will keep everyone heading straight to your new and upgraded site.
WHY 301 REDIRECTS ARE IMPORTANT IN WEB DEVELOPMENT
When you have client-users in mind, 301 redirects should be a basic follow-through. When you have search engine optimization and traffic in mind, 301 redirects are the key.
It serves the simplest purpose of telling the audience “this way to the latest and best version of our page”. You wouldn’t want anyone unearthing your old page and opening a 404 error “Page Not Found”.
Old, abandoned sites and misdirected traffic could be disadvantageous and even disastrous for your website. The impression a 404 would leave to your users can potentially make you lose leads. There’s nothing more of a turn off than a rickety website.
With the digital world making a global impact, it’s best to secure your rightfully earned place in the website market. A 301 redirect is your safety measure against having search engines and users go through “potholes”. Potholes being unused pages, old websites, 404s, duplicated content, and other potential traps. Use a 301 redirect to safekeep the reputation of your website, and of your business.
