Understanding Web Page Redirection, the smart way
This article is intended to help you understand web page redirection and some of the technologies involved with doing so.
If you are looking for a more comprehensive guide to redirecting your page. Or if you are anxious for code samples on redirecting your page, then please reference this article: How to redirect a web page, the smart way.
What is Web Page Redirection?
Well, obviously this is simple, and not very complicated; redirecting a web page just means that you get transfered to another web page when accessing the current page or attempting to. That is pretty clear.
What isn’t clear — is that there are really at least 2 major different forms of web page redirection; Client-side Redirection & Server-side Redirection
What is Client-side Redirection?
Well in this context, it’s your browser. More specifically: the contents of the web page your browser literally downloaded is the client (html). Because when you visit a web page, that page is downloaded and stored temporarily on your computer (also known as being cached).
What is Server-side Redirection?
Basically, as a user visiting a web page — you can’t see anything that happens on the server-side.
This means that when a redirection occurs on the server-side, the only way you see it is that the original URL you were contacting suddenly changes to the new URL that the server-side is redirecting to. This is typically the best way to go about redirecting, because it is really the only “safe” way of communicating to a search engine “Hey, this page has been moved, here is the correct URL”
With that said, it is important to understand the different types of URL redirection. Ultimately, the redirection occurs when your browser or client is instructed of the redirection. My rule of thumb is to not ever redirect unless it is permanent. That doesn’t necessarily apply to everything, but it is a safe route.
The 301 redirect is really the only redirect I use, because it is intended to be a permanent redirect, and search engines recognize this.
What should I stay away from?
In short: Client-side Redirection. These methods of redirecting a web page range from using html meta tags, to javascript, and even using flash embedded on a page to redirect. All of these methods are notorious for getting you de-indexed from search engines, or at the very least, you’re page getting automatically penalized from search engines. Stay away from client-side redirection, unless it is user-initiated (like clicking on a link).
That pretty much sums it up. It is important to keep in mind that if you are trying to redirect your page, do some research to find out exactly which redirect is right for you.
