What is Redirect? - Definition & Meaning Simplified

Redirect

A redirect is a technical command that automatically forwards a user and search engine crawler from one URL to a different URL. The most common and SEO-friendly type is the 301 redirect, which indicates a permanent move and passes roughly 90-99% of the original page’s link equity to the new destination. Failing to implement proper redirects when deleting pages or migrating a website is a catastrophic error that results in broken links, lost authority, and plummeting traffic. Meticulous redirect mapping is required to preserve every ounce of link equity and ensure a seamless user experience.

Redirect Simplified

A redirect is like a digital forwarding address. If you delete a page on your website or change its web address, a redirect automatically sends anyone who clicks the old link directly to the new page, so they don’t hit an error screen.