Unfortunately, not all online marketers and webmasters are entirely clued up on just how redirects impact website traffic. The consequences often have people spending an incredible amount of time, and extreme efforts ding in-depth technical audits, creating enticing content, and chasing links. More often than not, all it takes to increase web traffic is taking the time and effort to understand redirects.
Redirects Explained
A redirect is basically used to forward one URL directly to another URL. Even though you should focus on creating permanent URLs, there are a few instances when you may need to move a document or an entire page to a new URL. This would mean that the old URL would still exist with all the old links leading there. Moving a whole page would then result in 404 errors and link breaks, which would be a catastrophe for website rankings. This is when a redirect is essential to guide your visitors to the new URL. While understanding redirects and how they can benefit website traffic and rankings is absolutely crucial, you should also focus on avoiding these common mistakes.
Using The Wrong Type Of Redirect
If your goal is to redirect an old URL permanently, you should be using a 301 redirect. Permanently redirecting the URL will also transfer all the original URLs SEO quality and the page will eventually replace the old one on Google’s index. This basically means much less confusion for your visitors.
There may be fewer instances where using a 302 redirect is relevant, although, using it correctly is essential. A 302 redirect would be the correct choice for limited situations such as when you are testing a new design and are hoping to send users to the new URL only temporarily. Alternatively, you may be offering a seasonal product which would only be available for a short time.
A meta refresh is another type of redirect that is often used as a quick fix which would result in the redirect changing on the clients’ side, although, not on the server. Regardless of the seemingly simple solution, SEO practices suggest this is not the best solution and fully discourages the use of meta refresh redirects as they are not just wholly outdated, but they are also a slower technique that results in unpleasant user experience.
Endless Redirects
Infinite redirects would generate an error 310 to explain too many redirects. Otherwise known as “redirect loop,” can be detrimental to your website rankings. This common mistake leads your visitors through a loop where they eventually find themselves right back on the first page. While this error may be most straightforward to spot when it takes place on the homepage, it would be a far more significant issue on pages with less traffic. Making use of browser extension tools to test your website as you browse.
The Importance Of Internet Marketing Tactics
One of the most significant benefits of internet marketing tactics, such as SEO is that your business can reach an audience regardless of distance. Not only are there several effective tactics to consider, but they are also often inexpensive and convenient for companies of any size in any industry.
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