The 307 Redirect: What It Is and Methods to Use It

What Is a 307 Redirect?

A 307 redirect (sometimes called “307 short-term redirect”) is an HTTP standing code that quickly diverts web site guests from one URL to a different. The 307 standing code could be a great tool for website upkeep, content material updates, and extra.

However mismanaging it will possibly result in:

Web site errors
Decrease rankings on search engine consequence pages (SERPs)
Poor consumer expertise

On this article, you’ll learn the way the 307 redirect works, when to make use of it, easy methods to set it up, and a few finest practices.

We’ll additionally clarify 307 inner redirect, which isn’t an HTTP standing code however performs a job in web site safety.

Let’s begin by trying on the wider household of 3xx standing codes.

Understanding the 3xx Standing Codes

All HTTP standing codes with a 3xx quantity take care of URL redirection.

How do they work?

When somebody tries to entry your webpage, their browser forwards a “request” to your website’s server (a system that hosts and delivers net content material).

The server responds with a message indicating the web page’s standing. This message is known as an HTTP standing code.

If there’s a cause for the browser to be guided to a distinct location, the server sends a 3xx standing code.

Listed here are the 3xx codes in simplified kind:

300 a number of decisions: The browser can select between a number of choices for the requested web page
301 moved completely: The requested web page has a brand new everlasting deal with
302 discovered: The requested web page has a brand new deal with for a short while
303 see different: After an motion like submitting a kind, the consumer is shipped to a different web page to forestall duplicate submissions
304 not modified: The requested web page hasn’t modified because the consumer’s final go to, so the browser can use its cached model
307 short-term redirect: The requested web page is quickly at a distinct deal with
308 everlasting redirect: The requested web page has moved completely

The 302, 303, and 307 codes are short-term redirects. So how are they completely different?

302, 303, and 307 Redirects: What’s the Distinction?

There are three kinds of short-term 3xx redirects: 302, 303, and 307. Every has a singular operate.

The principle distinction between these redirects is how they deal with GET and POST requests—two frequent kinds of requests despatched by a browser to a server when a consumer tries to entry a webpage:

GET: When a consumer solely needs to view a web page
POST: When a consumer needs to ship knowledge to the server (e.g., when submitting a kind)

302 Redirect

When a consumer tries to submit a kind or different knowledge (a POST request), the 302 redirect may change the request to a GET request.

This could battle with the consumer’s intention.

As an illustration, if a consumer is making an attempt to enroll in a e-newsletter, their electronic mail won’t be added to the subscription record as a result of change in request sort.

303 Redirect

The 303 standing code turns all request sorts right into a GET request. It’s thought of short-term as a result of it’s tied to solely one in every of a number of actions out there to a website customer, resembling submitting a kind.

After a kind submission, the 303 code sends the consumer to a distinct location utilizing a GET request. This avoids the chance of resubmission if the consumer hits the refresh button.

However by turning all request sorts right into a GET request, the 303 standing code can battle with the consumer’s intent. Because of this the 303 redirect isn’t broadly used.

307 Redirect

Not like the 302 and 303 codes, the 307 redirect maintains the integrity of the unique request methodology. A POST request, for instance, stays a POST request after the redirect.

Sustaining the proper request sort ensures that kind submissions and different despatched knowledge attain their supposed vacation spot and permits the web site to raised shield delicate consumer data.

Though all three redirects point out a brief transfer, the 307 standing code is the only option, particularly when knowledge submission is concerned.

307 Non permanent Redirect vs. 307 Inner Redirect

A 307 short-term redirect is a server-side instruction that tells browsers to quickly redirect site visitors from one URL to a different. It’s a short-term measure.

A 307 inner redirect isn’t an official HTTP standing code however is typically utilized in net server configurations. It’s a browser-initiated redirect for a really particular goal: to direct guests away from the HTTP model of your website to the safer HTTPS model.

It’s a everlasting safety measure to guard consumer knowledge.

When somebody visits your web site, their browser communicates along with your web site’s server. This communication will be:

HTTP: A plain-text communication protocol
HTTPS: An encrypted communication protocol, the place the “S” stands for “safe”

Each web site has a non-secure HTTP model. However when you’ve carried out safety practices, you will have an HTTPS model, too.

Nevertheless, simply having an HTTPS website isn’t sufficient. Guests might nonetheless land in your HTTP website. To stop this, you want a seamless redirect to your HTTPS model. That is the job of the 307 inner redirect.

By enabling HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Safety), you may set off these 307 inner redirects in a customer’s browser.

HSTS is a safety function that instructs browsers to at all times use HTTPS as a substitute of HTTP.

The consequence: When a consumer tries to entry your website by way of HTTP, the browser routinely redirects them to the HTTPS model.

Utilizing the 307 inner redirects by way of HSTS ensures that customers’ knowledge stays encrypted and safe from potential threats.

Methods to Set Up a 307 Redirect

There are a number of methods to implement a 307 redirect. The strategy of alternative is determined by your website’s platform (e.g., WordPress, Joomla, custom-built), your technical experience, the instruments you’re comfy with, and your particular objectives for the short-term redirect.

Listed here are the three commonest strategies:

1. Enhancing the .htaccess File

The .htaccess file is a configuration file primarily utilized by Apache net servers.

This file instructs your server how to answer numerous situations, together with redirects.

You may implement a 307 redirect by modifying this file.

Amongst different advantages, the .htaccess file provides you centralized management. You may conveniently handle all of your redirects from this single file. Different strategies require organising every redirect individually.

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Proceed with warning. Incorrect modifications to the .htaccess file could cause issues on your web site. Create a backup of your web site and the .htaccess file earlier than continuing. If wanted, seek the advice of an professional.

Log in to your web site’s internet hosting account. Then navigate to the foundation listing, which is your web site’s essential folder.

For instance: If Bluehost is your hosting supplier, your root listing will look one thing like this:

Find the .htaccess file contained in the “public_html” folder. Open it to edit.

Now do the next:

Examine if “RewriteEngine” is on. You will see a line within the file that claims RewriteEngine On. (See the screenshot beneath) If it’s not there, it’s essential to add it.
Add the next code on the finish of the .htaccess file:

Redirect 307 /oldpage.html /newpage.html

Be certain to change /oldpage.html with the trail of the web page you’re redirecting from and /newpage.html with the vacation spot web page’s path.

Save the file. And check to see whether or not the redirect is working correctly.

In case you are utilizing a server sort aside from Apache (e.g., Nginx or IIS), the method is completely different. However the precept stays the identical: You’ll must edit a configuration file particular to that server.

Be certain to examine your server’s documentation or search professional recommendation.

2. Plugins

Does your website use a content material administration system (CMS) resembling WordPress? Then implementing a 307 redirect is simple by way of a plugin.

Merely seek for a redirection plugin in your CMS’s plugin retailer or on third-party platforms.

Set up and activate the plugin. Then comply with its directions.

Let’s take WordPress for instance.

The Redirection plugin is a well-liked free resolution for dealing with your redirects.

Then head to “Instruments” > “Redirection” to open the plugin.

Now enter your 307 redirect guidelines.

Additional studying: Methods to Redirect URLs on WordPress

3. Programming Languages

Programming languages supply a extra hands-on method to organising redirects.

This methodology is right in order for you direct management over how and when redirects occur. Programming languages allow you to redirect customers based mostly on particular actions they take or particulars they supply.

In addition they enable for sooner and extra built-in setups with out the necessity for extra instruments or plugins.

PHP and JavaScript are two well-liked languages. Right here’s how you should utilize them to implement 307 redirects:

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Making adjustments instantly in programming recordsdata can have an effect on your web site’s performance. At all times create backups of your recordsdata and be cautious when enhancing.

Redirects in PHP

PHP is a server-side scripting language generally utilized in net growth.

To arrange a 307 redirect utilizing PHP, use the “header()” operate to ship a location header to the browser, instructing it to redirect to a brand new URL.

Open the PHP file from which you need to redirect.

On the high, earlier than any content material, insert:

<?php header("Location: /new-url/", true, 307); exit; ?>

Substitute /new-url/ along with your desired vacation spot.

Save the file and check the redirect by accessing the unique web page.

Redirects in JavaScript

JavaScript is a client-side scripting language.

Establishing redirects in JavaScript isn’t as Search engine optimisation-friendly as server-side strategies.

The redirects happen solely after the web page begins loading, thereby inflicting a delay. And never all serps execute JavaScript or achieve this constantly.

Discover the HTML file of the web page you want to redirect.

Within the <head> part of your HTML file, ideally above “</head>.”

Insert the next script:

<script sort="textual content/javascript"> window.location.change("/newpath/"); </script>

Substitute “newpath” along with your desired vacation spot URL. For instance, if you wish to redirect to a web page with the URL https://yourwebsite.com/about-us, you’d change /newpath/ with /about-us/.)

Save your adjustments to the HTML file. Then check the redirect by accessing the unique web page.

Now that you realize some methods to implement a 307 redirect, when is it crucial?

When to Use a 307 Redirect

Website Upkeep

Use a 307 redirect for pages which might be unavailable for a restricted time on account of updates or upkeep. In any other case, guests will see an error message.

Merely take away the redirect as soon as the upkeep is full.

A/B Testing

Suppose you’ve redesigned your touchdown web page. And also you need to see if it engages your viewers higher than the present model.

For this experiment, you may determine that for a restricted time, all incoming site visitors to the unique web page ought to be redirected to the brand new design utilizing a 307 redirect.

Throughout this era, all guests will expertise the brand new design.

As soon as your A/B check is over, you may make the brand new design everlasting based mostly on constructive outcomes. Or revert to the unique format if it proves simpler.

Non permanent Content material Relocation

Suppose you’ve hosted a weeklong on-line occasion with a devoted touchdown web page. After the occasion, you want time to research engagement and collect suggestions.

Throughout this interim evaluation part, you don’t need guests to entry the occasion web page instantly.

You may quickly divert guests to a associated abstract web page utilizing a 307 redirect.

When you’re able to showcase the occasion’s outcomes, highlights, or any post-event content material, you may take away the 307 redirect, permitting guests to entry the up to date occasion web page.

Transitioning Between HTTP and HTTPS

Once you safe your web site by transferring from HTTP to HTTPS, you’ll use the HSTS function.

HSTS tells browsers to at all times use HTTPS as a substitute of HTTP.

If a consumer tries to entry the HTTP model of your website, the browser will routinely use an inner 307 redirect to take them to the safe HTTPS model.

This ensures an encrypted connection, defending their knowledge.

When To not Use a 307 Redirect

For Everlasting URL Adjustments

For those who’ve completely moved a web page to a brand new URL, a 307 short-term redirect isn’t proper.

As an alternative, you need to use a 301 everlasting redirect to sign the change to serps.

You should utilize Semrush’s Website Audit instrument to establish pages in your web site with 307 redirects. After which change them to 301 if these pages have been completely moved.

Open the instrument, enter your area, and click on “Begin Audit.”

As soon as the audit is full, open the “Overview” report and search for the “Crawled Pages” widget. Click on on the variety of “Redirects.”

Overview all of the URLs with a 307 standing code. If any of those pages have been completely moved, implement 301 redirects. Check with our information on organising 301 redirects utilizing an .htaccess file.

You can too apply an HTTP Standing filter to this report back to see solely pages with a “3xx short-term” standing code.

For Bulk Redirects

For those who’re restructuring your total web site or altering its area, utilizing particular person 307 redirects for every web page will be inefficient and should decelerate your website’s loading time.

From an Search engine optimisation perspective, extreme particular person redirects can confuse search engine crawlers, doubtlessly impacting your website’s rankings.

As an alternative of individually redirecting every web page, it’s extra environment friendly to make use of “wildcards” or “pattern-based redirects.”

These shortcuts can help you redirect a number of related URLs by way of a single rule.

For instance, you should utilize the sample “/weblog/*” to redirect all pages underneath the “/weblog/” listing to a brand new location.

Search engine optimisation Implications of 307 Redirects

Now that you realize when and when to not use a 307 redirect, you also needs to pay attention to its Search engine optimisation implications. Right here’s a fast breakdown:

How hyperlink juice transfers: 307 redirects might quickly move on the unique web page’s Search engine optimisation worth to the redirected one. However as a result of it is a short-term redirect, serps count on the unique URL to be accessible once more sooner or later. Consequently, the Search engine optimisation worth isn’t transferred completely.
How 307 and 302 redirects are handled by serps: Each are short-term redirects, and their Search engine optimisation influence is analogous. The important thing distinction is in how they deal with browser requests—not of their switch of Search engine optimisation worth.

When utilizing 307 redirects, you’ll want to contemplate their potential influence on Search engine optimisation. Managing them appropriately will keep away from errors and assist preserve the SERP rankings of your URL.

Greatest Practices for 307 Redirects

There’s quite a bit to think about when dealing with 307 redirects. Comply with these finest practices to make sure optimum outcomes:

Take a look at All Redirects

After organising a 307 redirect, at all times check it to make sure it’s working as supposed.

To take action, merely go to the previous URL and examine whether or not it easily redirects to the specified new location.

Monitor Redirect Efficiency

Repeatedly examine the efficiency of your redirects. You should utilize analytics to observe how customers are interacting with redirected pages.

For those who discover any anomalies or elevated bounce charges, it could be time to re-evaluate your redirect technique.

Overview and Replace

As your web site evolves, some 307 redirects might not be crucial.

Periodically overview your 307 standing code to examine for errors (sometimes called a “307 error code” when the redirect isn’t working appropriately). And repair them—both by updating or eradicating them.

Restrict Redirect Chains

Keep away from creating chains of redirects (e.g., Web page A redirects to Web page B, which then redirects to Web page C, and so forth).

This could gradual the web page’s loading time and create a poor consumer expertise. Purpose for direct, one-step redirects every time doable.

You should utilize Semrush’s Website Audit instrument to establish redirect chains that want fixing. Audit your web site. Then head to the “Points” tab of your report.

You’ll now see all the problems Semrush discovered in your web site. Together with any “redirect chains and loops.”

Overview and repair the problem. Purpose to have every hyperlink redirected solely as soon as.

Hold Person Expertise in Thoughts

If a redirect results in a web page that isn’t related or doesn’t meet the consumer’s expectations, it will possibly trigger dissatisfaction.

So at all times contemplate the consumer’s perspective. Be sure that your redirects result in related, high-quality content material.

Keep away from Frequent URL Adjustments

Utilizing 307 redirects continuously on the identical URL can ship combined indicators to serps.

When serps detect {that a} explicit URL’s vacation spot is continuously altering, they may develop into unsure concerning the stability and relevance of that content material.

Consequently, the search engine won’t rank the content material extremely.

So use redirects judiciously. And be sure that content material stays constant for optimum search efficiency.

Prioritize Safety

For those who’re utilizing redirects as a part of a transition to HTTPS, be sure that all features of your website are safe. This prevents “combined content material” vulnerabilities.

What must you do?

Examine whether or not your website’s exterior sources, plugins, and scripts are suitable with HTTPS. If not, change them.

Doc Your Redirects

Hold monitor of your energetic redirects to assist with future troubleshooting and to maintain future web site managers knowledgeable.

Methods to Repair 307 Non permanent Redirect Points

It’s simple to implement a 307 redirect. Nevertheless, you should still face sure points or misconfigurations. Listed here are some frequent options:

Examine Server Configuration

Checking your server configuration helps you guarantee all redirect guidelines are functioning as supposed.

For instance, suppose you wished to arrange a redirect for an previous product web page to a brand new one. For those who mistakenly set the rule to redirect customers to a web page that not exists or to an unrelated part of your website, guests will encounter errors or confusion.

To keep away from such errors, recurrently overview the redirect guidelines in your server settings. Be certain they’re pointing to the proper locations. These settings are usually accessible and adjustable in your internet hosting supplier’s management panel.

Overview Server Logs

Analyzing server logs can assist you establish the foundation causes of sudden 307 redirects. By analyzing these logs, you may:

Decide which URLs are continuously inflicting redirects. This can assist if sure pages are misconfigured or if there’s an error within the redirect guidelines.
Spot any sudden configurations or adjustments that may have triggered the redirect. That is particularly helpful if there’s been a latest replace or if a number of individuals have entry to your server settings.
Acknowledge patterns of consumer conduct or particular occasions resulting in the redirect, resembling kind submissions or the accessing of outdated hyperlinks.

When you’ve recognized the foundation causes, you may take the mandatory steps to repair the problems.

Different Fixes

Be sure that the URLs arrange for redirects are appropriately configured. A misconfigured URL in your redirect guidelines can result in sudden conduct.
In case your web site has caching mechanisms in place, be sure that they aren’t caching outdated redirects. You may must clear or replace server-side caches.
For those who’re utilizing a CMS or a selected net platform, examine its documentation. Some platforms might need anomalies in how they deal with redirects, or there could be recognized points with sure plugins or configurations inflicting sudden 307 redirects.
For those who’re dealing with advanced redirect loops, a number of redirects chaining collectively, or different situations you can’t resolve, contemplate searching for assist from an internet developer or server professional

Use 307 Redirects the Proper Method

Now that you simply perceive what a 307 redirect is, the way it works, and easy methods to implement it, let’s get to work.

Audit your web site utilizing a instrument like Website Audit, and get a full report on all of your redirects.

Overview the URLs with the 307 standing code. And decide:

Are they appropriately used and pointing to the fitting vacation spot?
Do they want an replace to a distinct HTTP standing code?
Are there any dangerous redirect configurations, like chain redirects?
Must you take away the redirect?

Based mostly in your evaluation, make adjustments accordingly.