302 redirects: a clear explanation!

There are many different types of redirects, but which redirect should you use when? We have already posted a knowledge base article on the 301-redirect, indicating a permanent redirect, but what exactly is a 302 redirect and when do you use the redirect with the 302 status code? Read more about it soon in this knowledge base article. 

What is a 302 redirect? 

The 302 redirect is a response code that directs a visitor to a different URL, than the one originally requested. This means that the destination page behind a link is different. A 302-redirect shows Google that a page has been temporarily moved and that you are dealing with a temporary redirect. This is in contrast to the 301-redirect, which relays a permanent move. If a 302-redirect is left for a long time, Google may pick it up as a 301-redirect after a while. For example, you use redirects at SEO migrations, duplicate content or when moving a single page. You do this to prevent a user from entering a 404-error page will be seen. Moreover, the 302 redirect resembles the 307-redirect.

Are 302 redirects bad for a website?

When a user clicks on a link, their browser makes an assumption about how long it will take to get the response. If you send them a 302 (or redirect with some other code), you are telling the browser that the wait time will be longer than expected. This has a negative impact on the user experience. Because the user is redirected, the loading time becomes longer. This affects a website's SEO performance. User experience is important for good search engine performance. Also, the speed of a website is one of the 200 ranking factors. 

Should you always change a 302 redirect?

No, you don't always have to change a redirect. Some redirects can remain in place, but you have to be careful about multiple redirects in a row, otherwise you will get redirect loops or redirect chains. There are different types of redirects you can use in your site, whereonder temporary redirects, permanent redirects, and HTTP vs. HTTPS redirects. Temporary redirects are often used for onderhouds messages, broken links or marketing campaigns. Want to know more? Then go to our SEO advice page and find out how we can help you. 

Permanent redirects

Permanent redirects are used to tell your users that the page they are looking for has a new address. HTTP vs HTTPS redirects are used to send users from one protocol to another (e.g. from HTTP to HTTPS). Each type of redirect has a different impact on user experience and server load. 

Need SEO advice? Get in touch with us!

Setting up the right redirects is only a small onder part of the work of the SEO specialist. Would you like us to give you SEO advice, for example for a website migration? Then take a quick look at our SEO services page. Besides technical SEO knowledge, we also employ experienced content and link-building specialists at SEO agency Onder. Wondering what we can do for you? Then do a live Live SEO analysis.