Are redirects bad for SEO?
Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2025 10:10 am
No, redirects are not bad for SEO.
In fact, in many ways, they are quite the opposite; as long as they are used in the right circumstances.
Think of it this way - if you move or delete a URL without using a redirect, when users and search engines land on the old URL, they won’t be forwarded to the new page. This can result in a drop in keyword rankings and users bouncing off your site.
When redirects are used, they help prevent these problems.
That said, redirects should not be overused, and problems like redirect chains and loops should be avoided whenever possible.
How long should you keep your redirects?
This is a frequently debated topic in SEO, and as a rule of thumb, we algeria mobile database recommend that you keep your redirects in place for at least three years. However, in cases where the volume is not significant, there is no harm in going longer.
How do I test redirects?
Sometimes you'll know that redirects are in place because you're forwarded to a different location when you visit the URL. But how do you test redirects to check if they're working properly or if they're a 301 or 302?
If you want to test a specific URL, you can use a tool like status.io .
Summarize
Redirects are an important part of SEO, but their use goes far beyond that.
Whenever you change the location of a web page, you need to use redirects. If you don't, users and search engines won't be forwarded to the new one, which in itself can cause SEO problems as well as lead to lost customers.
In fact, in many ways, they are quite the opposite; as long as they are used in the right circumstances.
Think of it this way - if you move or delete a URL without using a redirect, when users and search engines land on the old URL, they won’t be forwarded to the new page. This can result in a drop in keyword rankings and users bouncing off your site.
When redirects are used, they help prevent these problems.
That said, redirects should not be overused, and problems like redirect chains and loops should be avoided whenever possible.
How long should you keep your redirects?
This is a frequently debated topic in SEO, and as a rule of thumb, we algeria mobile database recommend that you keep your redirects in place for at least three years. However, in cases where the volume is not significant, there is no harm in going longer.
How do I test redirects?
Sometimes you'll know that redirects are in place because you're forwarded to a different location when you visit the URL. But how do you test redirects to check if they're working properly or if they're a 301 or 302?
If you want to test a specific URL, you can use a tool like status.io .
Summarize
Redirects are an important part of SEO, but their use goes far beyond that.
Whenever you change the location of a web page, you need to use redirects. If you don't, users and search engines won't be forwarded to the new one, which in itself can cause SEO problems as well as lead to lost customers.