The Answer To This Interview Question:
A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that tells search engines the original URL has moved permanently, transferring link equity to the new URL. A 302 redirect is temporary and indicates the original URL may return. The decision between the two depends on whether the move is permanent or temporary.
What The Interviewer Really Wants To Hear:
The interviewer wants to assess your understanding of redirects and how you handle URL changes on a site.
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Tips To Answer This Interview Question Successfully
Highlight the impact of redirects on SEO.
A 301 redirect transfers SEO value to the new URL, making it important for permanent changes like rebranding or migrating to a new domain. A 302 is useful for temporary campaigns or A/B testing.
Discuss the potential risks of using the wrong redirect.
Using a 302 when a 301 is needed can result in lost rankings and SEO value, as search engines won’t transfer authority. Using the wrong redirect type can also confuse users if the URL behavior doesn’t match their expectations.
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