Question 1

What is a redirect chain?

Accepted Answer

A redirect chain occurs when a URL redirects to another URL, which redirects again, creating a sequence of hops before reaching the final destination. Each additional hop adds latency and can dilute SEO link equity.

Question 2

What is a 301 redirect?

Accepted Answer

A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect. It tells browsers and search engines that a page has moved permanently to a new URL. Search engines transfer most of the original page's ranking signals to the new URL.

Question 3

What is a 302 redirect?

Accepted Answer

A 302 redirect is a temporary redirect. It tells browsers and search engines that the move is not permanent and the original URL may be used again in the future. Search engines typically do not pass link equity through a 302.

Question 4

How many redirects is too many?

Accepted Answer

Most SEO guidance recommends keeping redirect chains to one hop. Chains longer than three hops risk being abandoned by search engine crawlers and significantly increase page load time for users. The redirect.ing checker follows up to 20 hops.

Question 5

What is a redirect loop?

Accepted Answer

A redirect loop occurs when a URL redirects to another URL that eventually redirects back to the original, creating an infinite cycle. Browsers and crawlers detect loops and abort the request. The redirect.ing checker flags loops immediately and shows exactly which hop causes the cycle.

Question 6

What HTTP status codes are used for redirects?

Accepted Answer

The most common redirect status codes are 301 (permanent), 302 (temporary), 307 (temporary, method preserved), and 308 (permanent, method preserved). 301 passes link equity to the destination; 302, 307, and 308 generally do not. The redirect checker reports the exact status code at each hop.

Trace any redirect,hop by hop.

Trace any redirect,
hop by hop.