Redirect Checker

A Redirect Checker is a diagnostic SEO tool that traces the full redirect path of a URL — from the original request to the final landing page — and shows:

• Redirect types (301, 302, 307, etc.)
• The number of hops or chains
• Final destination URL
• Redirect loop or error detection

✅ Purpose: To ensure your site uses redirects correctly for better SEO, site performance, and usability.

 

Why Redirects Matter in SEO

Improper redirects can confuse search engines and frustrate users. Search engines like Google follow redirects, but excessive or incorrect redirects can result in:

• Lost link equity
• Slow load times
• 404 errors or redirect loops
• Indexing problems

💡 SEO Tip: Always use 301 redirects for permanent URL changes to preserve SEO value.

 

Types of Redirects You Might See

Code	Type	SEO Impact	When to Use
301	Permanent Redirect	Passes ~90-99% of link equity	URL has permanently changed
302	Temporary Redirect	Doesn’t pass full link equity	For short-term content moves
307	Temporary Redirect (HTTP/1.1)	Like 302 but more accurate	Temporary redirect in newer HTTP
Meta Refresh	HTML-based	Slower, less SEO-friendly	Only use in special cases

 

When Should You Use a Redirect Checker?

✅ After changing URLs or site structure
✅ Before launching a new website or redesign
✅ During SEO audits
✅ When you suspect redirect chains or loops
✅ After switching from HTTP to HTTPS
✅ When migrating to a new domain

 

 

How to Use a Redirect Checker (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose a tool (see above)
2. Enter the URL you want to test
3. Click "Check" or "Trace"
4. Review:
• Redirect type (301, 302, etc.)
• Intermediate URLs (if any)
• Final landing page
• Status codes and issues

🧪 Example:
Input: http://example.com/old-page
Result:

• 301 → https://example.com/new-page
• 200 OK

✅ Correct redirect implementation.

 

Common Redirect Issues to Avoid

❌ Redirect Chains

Example: A → B → C → D

• Slows down site
• Dilutes link equity
• Fix by pointing A directly to D

❌ Redirect Loops

URL redirects back to itself or in a loop

• Causes browser error
• Fix via CMS or .htaccess review

❌ Incorrect Redirect Type

Using 302 (temporary) when you mean 301 (permanent)

• Results in lost SEO value

❌ Mixed Protocol Redirects

http → https → non-www → www

• Combine steps to reduce hops

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do redirects hurt SEO?

A: Not if done correctly. 301 redirects preserve most link equity, but excessive chains or loops can harm rankings.

Q: How many redirects are too many?

A: Ideally, keep it to 1 redirect hop. Google can follow several, but each hop reduces crawl efficiency and UX.

Q: Can I redirect to another domain?

A: Yes, but use 301 and ensure relevancy to avoid confusion or penalties.