1.2 Indexability & statusHighInferred
302/307 used for a permanent move
A temporary redirect for a move that is actually permanent tells Google to keep the old URL. If the move is permanent, I want a 301 so signals consolidate on the new URL.
What it is
Temporary redirect for what is actually permanent.
Why it matters
Temporary redirects may not consolidate signals to the destination as a 301 does.
How to fix it
Use 301/308 for permanent moves.
How to find it on your site
- Check the status of your redirects with curl -I, looking for 302 or 307.
- Decide which of those moves are actually permanent.
- Switch the permanent ones to 301.
- Re-test and confirm the 301 is returned.
Cross-reference to ranking and citation factors
A 301 consolidates ranking signals onto the destination. A lingering 302 can keep the old URL indexed and split signals.
Impact
Medium-high; signal consolidation. Inferred from documented redirect semantics.
Evidence
Use permanent redirects for permanent moves to consolidate signals. Google Search Central, Redirects and Google Search