307 Redirect

A 307 Redirect (also known as a “temporary redirect”) is an HTTP status code that indicates that the resource has been temporarily moved to a different URL.

The 307 status code is similar to the 302 redirect, but it is specifically designed to be used with the POST method, preserving the method used by the client in the original request.

Importance in SEO

The 307 redirect is important in SEO because it allows webmasters to maintain the original URL’s search engine ranking and traffic while the content is temporarily moved.

It also helps prevent the loss of users and search engine crawlers during brief maintenance periods or URL changes.

Example

For example, if a user tries to access example.com/old-url, but that URL has been temporarily moved to example.com/new-url, the server would return a 307 redirect, instructing the user’s browser to retrieve the content from the new location without altering the original HTTP method (GET, POST, etc.).

  • Use 307 redirects for temporary URL changes: To maintain SEO value during brief periods when a page is unavailable.
  • Implement them with care: Ensure that the redirect is truly temporary and that the original URL will be restored.
  • Monitor and maintain: Regularly check your server logs to ensure that 307 redirects are still functioning as intended and that the original URLs are being restored as planned.

Don’t

  • Avoid using 307 redirects for permanent URL changes: This can lead to confusion for search engines and may result in lost link equity.
  • Avoid using 307 redirects for long periods: If a temporary redirect is in place for an extended period, it may be considered a permanent change by search engines.
  • Avoid using 307 redirects for SEO manipulation: Attempting to game the system by frequently changing URLs with 307 redirects can lead to penalties from search engines.

The 307 redirect is a useful tool for maintaining user experience and SEO value during temporary URL changes, especially when the changes involve POST requests. However, for permanent URL changes, a 301 redirect is the better choice to preserve SEO value.