- Article
- Intermediate
- 2 minutes read
- Reviewed August 4, 2026
Redirects tell browsers and crawlers that a requested URL should be resolved elsewhere.
A 404 response states that the requested resource was not found. Both are normal parts of a healthy website when used accurately.
Permanent Redirects
Use a permanent redirect when a resource has moved to a new long-term URL.
Common cases include slug changes, consolidated articles, domain migrations, HTTPS adoption and retired paths with a direct replacement.
Redirect each old URL to the closest relevant destination.
Temporary Redirects
A temporary redirect is appropriate when the original URL is expected to return.
Do not leave a temporary redirect in place indefinitely for a permanent move.
Redirect Chains and Loops
A chain sends one URL through several redirects. Update rules so the old URL points directly to the final destination.
A loop prevents the request from reaching a page. Test HTTP headers as well as browser behavior.
True 404 Responses
A missing URL should return HTTP 404. A deliberately removed resource can return 410.
A custom 404 page can provide search, navigation and support while retaining the correct status.
Soft 404s
A soft 404 returns 200 while showing an error, empty archive or missing result.
Do not redirect every nonexistent URL to the homepage. Redirect only when a relevant replacement exists.
Monitoring
Use Search Console, server logs, analytics, crawler reports and internal-link checks.
Prioritize broken URLs that receive internal links, traffic or external links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should every 404 redirect to the homepage?
No. Random and mistyped URLs should return a real 404.
Is 301 always the correct redirect?
Use permanent redirects for permanent moves and temporary redirects for temporary states.
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