Magento 2 SEO: Redirect 301 and 302

Proper management of redirects is crucial for improving your Magento 2 store's SEO. Redirects ensure users and search engines are sent to the correct page when a URL is changed or a product is no longer available. Magento 2 offers built-in features for handling 301 (Permanent) and 302 (Temporary) redirects. This guide explains their differences and provides step-by-step instructions on setting them up in Magento 2.

What Are 301 and 302 Redirects?

  • 301 Redirect: A permanent redirect used when a URL has permanently changed. It passes link equity (SEO value) to the new URL.
  • 302 Redirect: A temporary redirect used when a URL change is temporary. It does not pass SEO value to the new URL.

Steps to Configure 301 and 302 Redirects in Magento 2

Step 1: Access the URL Rewrite Tool

To create a redirect, log in to your Magento 2 admin panel and navigate to:

  • Marketing > SEO & Search > URL Rewrites.

Here, you can view, edit, or create URL rewrites for your store.

Magento 2 URL Rewrites

Step 2: Add a New Redirect

  1. Click the Add URL Rewrite button.
  2. Choose the type of redirect (e.g., product, category, or custom page).

Step 3: Configure the Redirect

Fill in the following fields:

  • Request Path: Enter the original URL you want to redirect from (e.g., old-page.html).
  • Target Path: Enter the new URL to redirect to (e.g., new-page.html).
  • Redirect Type: Choose between 301 (Permanent) or 302 (Temporary) based on your requirement.
  • Store View: Specify the store view where the redirect will apply.

Step 4: Save and Test the Redirect

  1. Click Save to apply the redirect.
  2. Test the redirect by visiting the original URL in your browser to ensure it points to the correct new page.

Additional Notes on Redirects in Magento 2

  • Avoid Redirect Chains: Ensure your redirects point directly to the final destination to avoid multiple hops.
  • 404 to 301 Redirects: Redirect deleted or unavailable pages to relevant alternatives to improve user experience and SEO.
  • Bulk Redirects: For a large number of redirects, consider importing them via a database or a third-party extension.

Best Practices for SEO-Friendly Redirects

  • Use 301 redirects for permanently removed or updated pages to retain link authority.
  • Use 302 redirects only for temporary changes, such as during maintenance or promotional campaigns.
  • Redirect old pages to closely related pages to preserve relevance.

Conclusion

Managing 301 and 302 redirects effectively is essential for optimizing your Magento 2 store’s SEO. By ensuring users and search engines are directed to the correct pages, you can retain your rankings and provide a seamless shopping experience. Magento 2’s built-in tools make it simple to configure and maintain these redirects. Follow this guide to set up your redirects properly and avoid losing valuable traffic