Frequently Asked Questions.

The four types of redirecting are:

• 301 Redirect: This is a permanent redirect that informs search engines that a page or URL has permanently moved to a new location.
• 302 Redirect: This is a temporary redirect that indicates a page or URL has temporarily moved to a different location.
• 303 Redirect: This redirect is used to redirect a POST request to a different URL.
• 307 Redirect: This is a temporary redirect similar to a 302 redirect but is specifically used for POST requests.

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A redirect is when the user visits a certain URL and then the URL is changed automatically to a completely different one.

This is how URL redirection looks at a glance:

www.example.com -> www.newexample.com

example.com -> www.example.com

www.example.com/page1 ->www.example.com/page2

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Here are some benefits of using URL redirection:

Keeps overall website’s SEO health: Redirects help maintain the SEO value of an old URL when it's replaced or moved.

Improved user experience: Redirects guide users to the correct content, reducing frustration and improving usability.

Fixing broken links: Redirects can send visitors to alternative URLs when they encounter broken or deleted pages.

Consolidating website versions: Redirects can unify multiple versions of a website (www, non-www, HTTP, HTTPS) into a single preferred version.

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The purpose of redirecting is to send users and search engines from one URL to another. It is commonly used when a page or URL is permanently moved, temporarily unavailable, or when you want to consolidate content under a different URL.

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Redirecting a URL means sending visitors and search engines to a different URL than the one they initially requested. It helps ensure that users are directed to the correct content, even if the URL structure or location has changed.

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The best redirect for SEO is a 301 redirect. It signals to search engines that the page has permanently moved to a new location and transfers the majority of the SEO value and link juice to the new URL.

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Too many redirects can potentially hurt SEO. Search engines may interpret excessive redirects as a sign of poor website architecture or attempt to manipulate search rankings. It is recommended to keep the number of redirects to a minimum and use them judiciously.

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Redirect chains are generally considered bad for SEO. A redirect chain occurs when multiple redirects are chained together, leading to additional server requests and potentially slowing down page load times. It's best to minimize redirect chains for better user experience and SEO.

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Redirecting domains alone does not inherently hurt SEO. However, it's crucial to implement redirects correctly, maintain relevant content, and monitor for any issues that may arise during the redirection process.

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The best redirection URL depends on your specific needs. However, a 301 redirect is generally recommended for permanent moves or URL changes, while a 302 redirect is suitable for temporary redirections.

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The type of redirect you should use depends on the purpose and context. A 301 redirect is ideal for permanent moves, while a 302 or other redirect types are suitable for temporary changes or specific use cases like POST requests.

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The difference between static and dynamic URL redirects lies in how the redirect is determined. A static URL redirect uses a fixed target URL defined in the redirect configuration. In contrast, a dynamic URL redirect involves processing the request and generating the target URL dynamically based on certain criteria or rules.

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A URL redirect is a technique used to send users and search engines from one URL to another. It is commonly used to handle changes in website structure, domain names, or to redirect traffic to a preferred version of a URL.

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To redirect a URL, you can use server-side redirects or configure redirection rules. Server-side redirects involve modifying server configuration files (.htaccess for Apache servers) to define the redirect. Alternatively, you can use website plugins and content management systems (CMS) that offer built-in tools for URL redirection.

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The difference between URL redirect and forwarding lies in the way the redirection is implemented. URL redirect instructs the browser or search engine to visit a different URL, while forwarding typically involves loading content from one URL onto another without explicitly instructing the browser to change the URL.

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You can determine if a URL is redirecting by entering the URL in a browser or using online redirect checking tools. These tools will show the series of HTTP responses and indicate whether a redirect is occurring. 

You can use the built-in feature of SiteDetour to track if URL is redirecting properly.

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URL redirection can be caused by various factors, including:

• changes in website structure or URL naming conventions 
• domain name changes or website rebranding
• migration to a new platform
• temporary maintenance or server issues 
• marketing campaigns or A/B testing with different landing pages.

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A bad URL redirect typically refers to redirects that are misconfigured, excessive, or result in a poor user experience. Examples include redirect loops and chains, slow redirects, or redirects that lead to irrelevant content.

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When you redirect a domain, you are instructing the browser to automatically forward visitors from one domain to another. This is commonly done when changing the primary domain name or consolidating multiple domains under one.

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While SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is not strictly necessary for a redirect, it is generally recommended to use SSL for both the source and target URLs. SSL ensures secure communication between the user's browser and the website, enhancing privacy and trust.

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Redirects themselves do not significantly impact website speed. However, excessive or poorly implemented redirects, such as redirect chains, can add additional server requests and potentially slow down page load times. It's important to optimize redirects for efficiency.

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Whether you should redirect to "www" or not depends on your preference and the specific circumstances. Both options can work, but it's important to choose one consistently to avoid duplicate content issues and confusion for users and search engines.

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1. Static QR Code:
   • Content: Static QR codes contain fixed information that cannot be changed once the code is generated.
   • Functionality: They are typically used for simple purposes such as directing users to a website URL, sharing contact information, or providing basic text information.
   • Use Cases: Static QR codes are suitable for situations where the information being encoded will remain constant over time, such as on business cards, product labels, or promotional materials.
2. Dynamic QR Code:
   • Content: Dynamic QR codes can encode variable information that can be modified even after the QR code has been created.
   • Functionality: They offer additional features such as analytics tracking, password protection, and the ability to edit the encoded content without needing to generate a new QR code.
   • Use Cases: Dynamic QR codes are ideal for scenarios where the encoded information may need to be updated frequently or where additional functionality such as tracking user interactions is desired. They are commonly used in marketing campaigns, ticketing systems, and inventory management.

A short link is a bite-sized version of a full-length URL. From the user’s perspective, it works exactly the same as the longer version.

Short links are secure links that facilitate a smoother user experience for transitioning from one destination to another. They inspire trust and are easier to remember, making them preferred options for digital campaigns.

Short links can accompany smart QR codes. When a user scans a QR code, an abbreviated version of a website address pops up. This lets users know where they’re headed. Short links are also used as vanity URLs.

The better question is where can’t you use them! Vanity URLs are handy on printed materials, digital campaigns, or any occasion where you want people to quickly and easily identify your web address.

We’ve created plenty of resources to help you learn how to use short links in a well-executed smart QR code campaign. Visit our blog to learn more—we’ve got posts on everything from defining a smart QR code to noteworthy examples for designing your own campaign.

All redirects are served via HTTP and HTTPS. SiteDetour leverages LetsEncrypt CA to programmatically acquire SSL certificates for your domains. Redirects are served over HTTP and HTTPS protocols to ensure all traffic reaches it's final destination.

SiteDetour believes in a fair and simple pricing model. We never meter or restrict the amount of traffic your redirects and QR codes generate.

With a redirect, you can configure several options, including automatic SSL for secure HTTPS redirects, personalization tailored to specific audiences, real-time analytics to monitor performance, path-based redirection to establish URL path rules, and support for query parameters to enable targeted redirect. For any additional inquiries reach out to our Support.

Easily access your account's comprehensive traffic analytics by logging in and navigating to the Analytics Dashboard for an overview. For detailed analytics on a specific redirect or QR code, simply select the desired redirect and click "View Realtime Analytics."

We commit to a 99.95% uptime SLA. We leverage a state of the art, ultra-scalable hosting infrastructure built on AWS in order to deliver high availability and performance.

Indeed! Use the DNS launch instructions provided in our app in order to point your domain's zone apex record to our server. We will handle it from there!