What is a 302 Redirect?

A 302 redirect is a temporary redirection process that guides users and search engines from one URL to another, indicating that the original page is temporarily unavailable.

Distinct from a 301 redirect, which is permanent, a 302 redirect tells search engines to keep the original URL indexed, as the change is only temporary.

This ensures that the original page’s search engine rankings and SEO value are maintained during the redirection.

How Do 302 Redirects Work?

When a browser requests a URL that has a 302 redirect, the server responds with a 302 status code, indicating the resource is temporarily located at a different URL. The browser then redirects the user to this new URL, while search engines understand that the original URL should remain indexed.

This mechanism is beneficial for scenarios where content needs to be temporarily relocated without affecting the SEO standing of the original page. If you’re wondering how to 302 redirect your content, the process typically involves configuring your server to send a 302 status code to the browser. This is done via HTTP headers.

The 302 redirection ensures that users are sent to the temporary location, while allowing search engines to continue indexing the original page. This way, your SEO rankings stay intact even when the content is temporarily moved.

How is 302 Redirect Different from 301?

The key differences between a 302 and a 301 redirect are:

  • Permanence: A 301 redirect is permanent, signaling that the old URL has moved to a new location for good. A 302 redirect, on the other hand, is temporary.
  • SEO Impact: A 301 redirect transfers SEO value to the new URL, helping the new URL inherit the ranking power of the old one. In contrast, a 302 redirect keeps the SEO value with the original URL.
  • Use Cases: 301 redirects are used for permanent changes, such as domain migrations or major site restructures. 302 redirects are used for temporary changes, such as A/B testing or limited-time promotions.

When to Use a 302 Redirect?

302 Redirects are ideal for situations such as:

  • Temporary Content Relocation: If you’re moving a page temporarily for maintenance or updates, a 302 temporary redirect assures that users can still access the content while preserving the original URL’s SEO value.
  • A/B Testing: Redirecting users to different versions of a page to test performance and user engagement without affecting the original URL’s ranking.
  • Promotional Campaigns: Temporarily redirect users to a promotional page or event-specific content while maintaining the original URL’s SEO. In this case, a 302 redirect example would be redirecting visitors to a landing page for a special promotion, while still preserving the SEO value of the original page.