When browsing the internet, if you have had a HTTP status code then know:

HTTP status codes occur when you encounter errors between background elements when browsing from web page to web page.

Background elements like:

  • Your web browser
  • The server
  • The web page you’re loading
  • Third-party web applications you’re running

These elements interact in different ways, that’s why different HTTP status codes show up.

HTTP status codes:

  • Identify and diagnose anything stopping a web page loading
  • Give information on how you got to a web page

In this article we will learn everything you need to know about the HTTP 302 status code.

So, let’s dive right in.

What is a HTTP 302?

The 302 status code is displayed when the page you’re loading has been temporarily redirected.

Redirects are:

  • Automatic
  • Caused by the web server
  • Don’t affect your visitors user experience

And, all HTTP messages starting with 3## redirects.

For example, if your website’s content for “blog.yourwebsite.co.uk” doesn’t exist anymore, and has been moved to “blogging.yourwebsite.co.uk.”

Anyone trying to access the old URL would get a 301 status code, which is a permanent redirect.

But, a 302 redirect is temporary.

A good place to use a 302 status code would be for:

  • Localisation
  • Language purposes

For example, visiting a retail website based in the UK, whilst being located in the US.

Then, a 302 redirect would send you to the US website, so the currency, for example, is displayed correctly.

Other uses for a 302 status code include:

  • Page redesigns can send visitors to a temporary page whilst the other page is under construction.
  • A/B tests when testing a new page to get feedback on performance. Use a 302 redirect which won’t hurt your ranking.
  • Promotions to drive traffic to an offer. Set up a temporary redirect for a page with other content.
  • Sold out product or temporarily unavailable product. Redirect visitors to a related page until available again.

But remember:

  • Use 302 redirects for temporary changes
  • 302 status code is on the server-side
  • 302 status codes aren’t noticed by visitors

The web server shows the new location to browsers and search engines then sends visitors there straight away after a 302 redirect is set up.

How 302 Status Codes Affect SEO

For SEO, you need to know:

  • How a 302 status code can affect your ranking
  • When to use it

Google doesn’t want to send visitors to a page that goes nowhere.

So, if a page’s location has changed without a redirect being set up, it will show a 404 status error.

A 404 status error means your page can’t be found and this impacts your ranking.

Basically, with a 302 status code redirect:

  • Your ranking doesn’t suffer when you temporarily send visitors to a different page

But:

  • your temporary URL won’t benefit from backlinks because Google knows its temporary

In contract:

  • a 301 code benefits from backlinks to your new URL

But:

  • Your web page can drop in rankings

How to Identify & Implement an HTTP 302 Error

To know when you’ve come across a 302 redirect, or other redirects, use an application or Chrome extension like Redirect Path.

Tools like this show you, in your web browser, when you come across a redirect.

Accessing your .htaccess file helps you view and set up 302 redirect codes.

Or, install a redirect manager plugin or a SEO tool with a redirect manager, like Yoast SEO Premium.

Conclusion

It’s important to understand how SEO is affected by redirect messages.

And, use a 302 status code when making temporary changes to your website, like:

  • Testing new website features
  • Product promotions

So, make sure to choose a redirect that aligns with your long-term strategy.

Now it’s over to you.

Tell me how you have used redirects on your own website.

Let me know in the comments below.