301 redirect
A permanent redirect that sends visitors and search engines to a new URL.
A 301 redirect is an HTTP response with the status code 301, Moved Permanently, defined in the HTTP standard (RFC 9110). It tells browsers and search engines that a page has a new address for good, and sends them there automatically.
Google treats both 301 and 308 as permanent redirects and uses them as a strong signal that the new URL should replace the old one in search. 302, 303 and 307 are temporary. Redirects are what carry a page's standing across a migration or a URL change.
Key characteristics
- Status code 301, Moved Permanently.
- Google treats 301 and 308 as permanent; 302, 303 and 307 as temporary.
- Should point straight to the final page, not through a chain.
- Keep it for at least a year after a move, as Google advises.
Example
A blog moves from /2024/05/28/pricing-update/ to /blog/pricing-update. A 301 sends both visitors and Google from the old address to the new one, so links and rankings follow.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 301 and a 302 redirect?
A 301 is permanent and tells search engines to replace the old URL with the new one. A 302 is temporary, signalling the old URL may come back.
Is a 308 redirect the same as a 301?
For search, yes: Google treats both as permanent. Some platforms, such as Framer's own site, answer redirects with 308.