A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that takes users to a new URL when the original page no longer exists. In this article, we review the advice of Google’s John Mueller regarding site moves and redirects.
How Long Should a Site Keep a 301 Redirect?
Google recommends site users use 301 permanent redirects when moving a site. 301 Redirects ensure that users are redirected to the new URL, and search engines index the new page, helping to maintain ranking positions.
Google strives to reprocess all pages every few months. However, most pages are checked more often. Google prioritizes which page to crawl based on the content and quality of the page. When a URL changes, Google needs to see the change in a redirect a few times to record the change.
While site owners can keep a redirect for longer, it is essential to keep a redirect for at least a year. Google also recommends updating the references to the old URL, including links the redirected page may have within your website and critical links outside of the website.
Related: Move Your Website Without Destroying Your SEO
Conclusion
Redirects are necessary for both visitors and search engines. Redirects inform search engines that content has moved while offering visitors a great user experience by redirecting them to their requested content.
Keeping a redirect for at least a year ensures that Google has seen the changes and had time to record the change.