Check the redirect chain from the original URL to the final destination URL. You can check redirect for any domain.
About Redirect
What is a Redirect?
A redirect, in web development terms, is a way to send both users and search engines from one URL to another. It is a server-based function that automatically routes traffic to the correct page, helping to avoid the dreaded dead-ends of 404 error pages. Redirects are used for various reasons, including website restructuring, URL changes, or merging websites.
Why are Redirects Important?
Redirects are significant for a variety of reasons:
- - User Experience: They ensure that users reach their desired content without encountering broken links, thus maintaining a positive browsing experience.
- - SEO: Proper use of redirects preserves search engine rankings by efficiently transferring the link from the old URL to the new one. This prevents loss of ranking and visibility during site migrations or restructures.
- - Site Maintenance: Redirects allow webmasters to perform updates or maintenance work without negatively impacting the user's access to the site.
How does a Redirect Work?
When a browser or search engine crawler requests a URL, the server checks if a redirect has been set up for that address. If a redirect is in place, the server returns a status code (such as 301 or 302) indicating the type of redirect, along with the new URL. The browser or crawler then automatically proceeds to the new location. This entire process is usually instantaneous, creating a seamless experience for the user.
What are the Types of Redirects?
There are several types of redirects, each serving different purposes:
- - 301 Redirect: Indicates a permanent move, telling search engines to transfer all ranking power to the new URL.
- - 302 Redirect: Signals a temporary change. The original URL retains its ranking power, as the move is not permanent.
- - 303 Redirect: Seen after form submissions or when redirecting to a page with a different method (GET to POST), ensuring a fresh page on refresh.
- - 307 Redirect: Similar to 302 but retains the method used in the original request (e.g., POST remains POST).
- - Meta Refresh: A client-side redirect (less commonly used), using a meta tag in the HTML.
How to Check Redirects?
Checking redirects is straightforward:
- - cURL Command: For more technical users, the cURL command in the terminal (cURL -L -s -I [URL]) can be used to check the headers and see the redirect path.
- - Online Tools: You can use the tool on the current page to input a URL and see if and where it redirects.