How to Redirect a URL (301, 302 & more) – Beginner’s Guide to URL Redirects

Key highlights

• Understand what a URL redirect is and how it works to guide users from an outdated or broken link to the correct page without losing traffic. 
• Explore the different types of redirects – 301, 302, 307, meta refresh and JavaScript, to choose the best method for your SEO and site structure needs. 
• Learn how to create a URL redirect using Bluehost’s cPanel, WordPress plugins or the .htaccess file. 
• Uncover best practices for managing URL forwarding across different domains, avoiding redirect loops and improving site performance. 

Have you ever clicked a link and ended up on the wrong page or an error screen? If it’s frustrating for you, it’s frustrating for your visitors too. These broken experiences can cause people to leave your site, damage your credibility and lower your visibility in search results. 

That’s where a URL redirect comes in. If you’re updating content, changing a web address, launching a new domain or removing pages, redirects guide users to the correct page.  

Redirecting old URLs helps preserve traffic and SEO and ensures that search engines continue indexing your updated content. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to: 

• Understand what a URL redirect is and how it works. 
• Choose the best redirect type for your needs. 
• Create redirects using cPanel, WordPress plugins or server settings. 
• Use the tools we offer at Bluehost to simplify every step. 

Let’s get started.

What is a URL redirect?  

A URL redirect automatically sends users from one URL (the original URL) to a different page, usually because the page moved, changed or no longer exists. 

In simple terms, a URL redirect is like forwarding your mail after moving to a new home. When someone visits your old URL, they’re automatically sent to the new page without needing to do anything. 

For example: 

[yourwebsite].com/old-page → [yourwebsite].com/new-page 

This helps preserve your traffic, ensures a smooth user experience and keeps your SEO intact even if you restructure your website or switch to a new domain. 

Also read: What is a URL? Understand the Parts, Structure & SEO Benefits 

What happens when a user clicks a redirect? 

When a user clicks a redirected link, the web server processes a redirect rule that tells the browser to fetch content from a different URL. Depending on the type of redirect, the server may signal that this change is temporary or permanent using a specific status code (like 301 or 302). 

This process helps avoid 404 errors, eliminates redirection loops and ensures users land on the correct page. It also informs search engines how to treat the change, so your rankings and page authority transfer properly. 

Whether it’s a server-side redirect, a meta refresh or even JavaScript redirects in a web application, each method has a purpose. We’ll break those down in the next section. 

Also read: Everything You Need to Know About 404 Errors  

What are the types of redirects and what are they for? 

When redirecting a URL, choosing the right method makes all the difference. Each type of redirect has its own behavior, SEO impact and technical setup. Some are best for permanent changes, while others handle temporary redirects or client-side actions. 

The table below compares the most common redirect types so you can pick the best option for your site. 

Redirect type	When to use it	SEO impact	Where it’s set
301 redirect	When a page is moved permanently	Passes most link authority to the new page	.htaccess, Bluehost cPanel, plugins
302 redirect	Temporary content shift (e.g., short-term sale page)	May not pass full SEO value	.htaccess, cPanel, WordPress plugins
307 redirect	Like 302, but for HTTP/1.1-compliant redirects	Treated like 302 by search engines	Server headers, CMS platforms
Meta refresh redirect	Redirect after a short delay (not user-friendly)	Weak SEO value, often ignored by crawlers	<meta http-equiv=”refresh”> tag
JavaScript redirect	Page-based or conditional redirect in web apps	SEO varies, not reliable for all browsers	JS code embedded in the page

Selecting the right redirect type is essential for preserving both SEO value and user experience. Each redirect method serves a specific purpose, whether you’re making permanent changes or handling temporary shifts. Now, let’s dive deeper into the redirects: 

1. 301 redirect 

A 301 redirect signals that a page or URL has been moved permanently to a new location. It passes the majority of SEO value from the original URL to the destination URL, preserving your rankings.  

Use it when removing old content, rebranding to a new domain or updating page slugs. You can configure it via server configuration files, your Bluehost cPanel or WordPress plugins. 

Also read: 4 Ways To Create a 301 Redirect in WordPress 

2. 302 redirect 

A 302 redirect is used when a page is temporarily relocated but may return to its original state. Unlike a 301, it does not transfer full SEO authority, which can impact rankings if overused.  

It’s ideal for short-term promotions, limited product pages or during A/B testing. You can create this type of redirect using .htaccess, a redirect plugin or hosting tools. 

3. 307 redirect 

The 307 redirect is the modern alternative to 302 and is compliant with HTTP/1.1. It ensures that the request method (like POST or GET) stays the same after redirection.  

While similar in function to a 302, it’s more technically precise and often used in web applications. Some web servers or CDNs default to 307s when headers are configured accordingly. 

4. Meta refresh redirect 

A meta refresh redirect is placed in the HTML of a page and typically activates after a short delay. You may see this on outdated sites that say, “If you are not redirected in 5 seconds, click here.”  

It uses the <meta http-equiv=”refresh”> tag and is not recommended for SEO-critical pages. This method can confuse search engines and frustrate users due to its delay. 

5. JavaScript redirect 

A JavaScript redirect uses a script to send users to a different URL after the page loads. It’s commonly used in web applications, conditional flows or dropdown menu selections. 

 Because it relies on client-side execution, it may not be detected or indexed by all search engines. Use it sparingly and avoid it for essential site navigation. 

Also read: SEO Fundamentals: Beginners Guide 

When should you use a URL redirect?  

A URL redirect is more than a technical fix. It helps users reach the correct page, preserves search engine rankings and keeps your website error-free. Here are the most common reasons to use one. 

1. Rebranding or moving to a new domain 

When your business undergoes a rebrand or you adopt a new domain, it’s vital to redirect the old URLs to your updated web address. A 301 redirect signals that the move is permanent, helping preserve your SEO authority. Without it, users and search engines may land on empty pages or error messages, leading to traffic loss.  

2. Deleting a page or updating a slug 

Removing content or changing a URL slug without setting up a redirect leads to broken links. Use a 301 to send traffic to a new page or relevant content. This avoids user frustration and supports smooth navigation across your site. Always update internal links and redirect rules when slugs change. 

3. Switching from HTTP to HTTPS 

Migrating your site to HTTPS boosts both security and SEO performance. But without a proper server-side redirect, your visitors may still land on the insecure http version. Set up a redirect from HTTP to HTTPS in your server configuration or  via rewrite rule. This change also helps eliminate redirection loops and protects your data. 

4. Consolidating duplicate pages 

If your site has similar or identical content under different URLs, redirect one version to the other. This avoids confusing search engines and losing ranking potential. Use permanent redirects to consolidate page authority and enhance user experience. These redirects can be applied to individual pages, categories or entire sections. 

Also read: What Duplicate Content Is + 9 Steps To Fix and Avoid It 

5. Maintenance or temporary downtime 

When performing updates or fixing bugs, use redirect that leads users to an alternate page or message. A 302 or 307 redirect keeps the original content intact while informing both users and browsers that the move is not permanent. This is ideal for web applications that need to remain functional during backend changes. 

How to redirect a URL (step-by-step)?  

Redirects are essential for maintaining a good user experience and SEO performance. Here’s how to set them up using different methods:  

1. Redirect a URL using cPanel   

Bluehost offers a user-friendly Redirects tool in its cPanel, making it easy to manage URL redirects for your website. Here’s a quick guide on how to set it up:  

1. Log into Bluehost Account Manager: Open your Bluehost account and navigate to the ‘cPanel’.  

2. Select your domain: Locate ‘Redirects’ in the ‘Domains’ section.  

3. Choose redirect type: On the Redirect page, select either a 301 (permanent) or 302 (temporary) redirect. Remember to include the protocol (http://, https://). 

4. Redirect options:  

• Only redirect with www: Redirects URLs that include www.  
• Redirect with or without www: Redirects all variations.  
• Do not redirect www: No redirect for www URLs.  

5. Wild card redirect (Optional): Enable this to redirect all pages (e.g., [www.URL1].com/about to [www.URL2].com/about).  

6. Finalize: Click to add the redirect. You’ll see confirmation that it’s been successfully set up.  

And that’s it! You’ve now created a redirect using Bluehost’s Redirects tool. You can manage or remove redirects from the same page whenever needed.  

2. Redirect a URL using WordPress plugins   

If you’re using WordPress, setting up a URL redirect is simple with the right plugin. The Redirection plugin is beginner-friendly and requires no coding. 

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard and click on ‘Plugins’ > ‘Add New’.  

2. Search for “Redirection” in the plugin search bar. Click ‘Install Now’, and once the plugin installs, click ‘Activate’. 

3. After activation, go to ‘Tools’ > ‘Redirection’ to begin setup. 

4. In the Redirection settings, enter the Source URL (original URL) and the Target URL (destination URL). Then, click ‘Add Redirect’ to save your settings. 

This plugin automatically manages your redirect rules and ensures users land on the correct page without needing any code. 

3. Redirect a URL using .htaccess   

To set up a redirect using the .htaccess file, first locate the file in your web server configuration files. If it’s hidden, adjust your settings to view hidden files.  

Before making changes, back up the existing .htaccess file by downloading a copy. Then, open the file using a text editor and add your redirect code.  

For a permanent redirect (301), use:  

Redirect 301 /old-url http://www.yoursite.com/new-url  

For temporary redirects (302), use:  

Redirect 302 /old-url http://www.yoursite.com/new-url  

Replace ‘/old-url’ with the URL you’re redirecting from and the new URL with your destination. Save your changes and, if edited locally, upload the modified file back to the server. Finally, test the old URL in your browser to confirm the redirect works correctly.  

What are the common URL redirect issues? 

Redirects are essential for maintaining SEO and user experience during site changes, but when mismanaged, they can cause serious technical and performance problems.  

Below are the most common redirect issues, along with practical solutions to fix them: 

1. Redirect chains slow down performance 

Problem: When a URL passes through multiple redirects before reaching the final destination, it increases load time and frustrates users. 

 Solution: Minimize the number of redirects by linking directly to the final URL. Regularly audit your site with tools like Screaming Frog or GTmetrix to identify and fix chains. 

2. Redirect loops cause browser errors 

Problem: Redirect loops occur when URLs redirect back to themselves or to each other in an endless cycle. This triggers browser errors like “too many redirects.” 

Solution: Carefully map redirects during migrations and use redirect checking tools to detect loops early. Fix misconfigured rules in your .htaccess or server settings. 

3. Wrong redirect types confuse search engines 

Problem: Using a temporary redirect (302) instead of a permanent one (301) can stop SEO value from being transferred, hurting rankings. 

Solution: Use 301 redirects for permanent URL changes to ensure link equity is preserved. Only use 302s for short-term moves or testing. 

4. Internal links aren’t updated after redirects 

Problem: Old internal links that still point to redirected URLs cause unnecessary redirect hops and weaken your site’s SEO structure. 

Solution: After a redirect is implemented, update all internal links to point directly to the new URL. Use a crawler to automate this process sitewide. 

5. Redirects can break tracking and analytics 

Problem: Improperly handled redirects can strip UTM parameters or fail to carry over tracking data, resulting in lost campaign insights. 

Solution: Always test redirects with UTM-tagged URLs. Preserve query parameters by configuring your redirects to carry them through, especially for marketing campaigns. 

What are the best practices for URL redirects? 

Setting up a URL redirect is more than just pointing one web address to another. Doing it wrong can hurt your SEO, frustrate users or even break your website.  

Follow these best practices to ensure smooth performance, faster page loads and better search engine visibility. 

1. Use 301 redirects for permanent changes 

If a page or domain has moved permanently, always use a 301 redirect. It tells both browsers and search engines that the original URL should now point to a new URL. This helps transfer SEO value, preserve traffic and maintain your rankings in search results. Avoid using a temporary redirect (like 302) in these cases, as it may not pass link equity. 

2. Avoid redirect chains and loops 

A redirect chain is when one page redirects to another, which redirects to another and so on. This slows down your site, confuses users and weakens SEO signals. Even worse, a redirection loop sends visitors in circles, never reaching the correct page and triggering browser errors. Always test your redirect rules using a tool like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs. 

3. Update internal links and navigation menus 

After you create redirects, update all internal links to point to the destination URL directly. This includes site menus, buttons, footers and dropdown menus. While a URL redirect will still work, pointing users straight to the new page improves loading time and simplifies your site structure. It also reduces dependency on server-side redirects. 

4. Match the redirect type to your intent 

Choose the right type of redirection based on the situation. Use 301 redirect for permanent URL changes and opt for 302 or 307 when the move is temporary. Reserve meta refresh for rare cases and use JavaScript redirects only when handling client-side logic in web applications. Misusing these can send mixed signals to both users and search engines. 

5. Test every redirect you create 

Before going live, test all redirect types to confirm they work as intended. Enter the full URL in your browser to make sure it lands on the correct page. Watch for status code errors, temporarily unavailable notices or missing paths. This prevents issues with one page, multiple choices or different versions of your domain. 

Why does Bluehost make redirect management easy?  

At Bluehost, we know that setting up a URL redirect can feel overwhelming, especially for beginners. That’s why we’ve built tools that make the process fast, code-free and SEO-safe. Whether you’re redirecting a web address, moving to a new domain or consolidating old URLs, our platform helps you do it right the first time. 

1. Simple redirect setup in cPanel 

Our cPanel interface lets you create redirects for domains, subfolders or individual pages in just a few clicks. You can choose between temporary redirects (302) and permanent redirects (301) without editing any server configuration files. This is ideal for common tasks like switching from HTTP to HTTPS or forwarding a root domain to a main site. 

2. Plugin compatibility for WordPress users 

If your site runs on WordPress, Bluehost integrates seamlessly with popular plugins like Redirection and Yoast SEO. These tools help you manage redirect rules, track broken links, handle query strings and apply advanced settings like JavaScript redirects. No coding needed, just select the redirect target URL and type of redirect. 

On our select plans, we include Yoast SEO Premium at no extra cost. This premium version lets you automatically create redirects and seamlessly guide users and search engines from old URLs to new ones. 

3. Expert support and SEO-ready hosting 

Need help with a rewrite directive, a web application redirect or avoiding redirection loops? Our 24/7 support team is ready to assist with anything from setting up server-side redirects to guiding you through plugin options.  

Plus, our hosting plans come optimized with fast servers, built-in SSL and features designed to protect your search engine visibility. To further boost your website’s performance, we offer a free SEO Checker that identifies optimization opportunities.  

It’s designed to refine your SEO strategy and keep you ahead in search rankings. With NVMe SSD storage and advanced caching, we help your site load faster, an essential factor for SEO success. 

With Bluehost, you don’t need to be a developer to handle redirects. You just need the right tools, and a platform built to support your goals. 

Final thoughts 

A smart URL redirect strategy keeps users on the right page, preserves your SEO rankings and protects your site’s structure. Proper redirects improve SEO and usability by fixing broken links, moving domains or updating old URLs to relevant new ones. 

At Bluehost, we simplify the process. Our cPanel redirect tools and trusted WordPress plugins help you set up permanent or temporary redirects or handle full URL redirection without touching code. 

With just a few clicks, you can redirect one page, an entire folder or even a root domain to another URL. Plus, our support team is available 24/7 to guide you through any step. 

Looking to simplify your website management? Join Bluehost today and explore easy-to-use redirect features to boost your site’s performance and user experience!   

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