HTTP 301 Moved Permanently vs 308 Permanent Redirect
Both HTTP 301 (Moved Permanently) and 308 (Permanent Redirect) belong to the 3xx Redirection category. 301 indicates that the resource has been permanently moved to a new URL. All future requests should use the new URL. Search engines will transfer link equity to the new URL. Meanwhile, 308 means that the resource has been permanently moved. Like 301, but guarantees the HTTP method will NOT be changed.
Description
The resource has been permanently moved to a new URL. All future requests should use the new URL. Search engines will transfer link equity to the new URL.
When You See It
After domain migrations, URL restructuring, or when consolidating duplicate URLs.
How to Fix
Update links and bookmarks to the new URL in the Location header. For SEO, this is the preferred redirect for permanent moves.
Description
The resource has been permanently moved. Like 301, but guarantees the HTTP method will NOT be changed.
When You See It
For permanent URL changes where POST requests must remain POST.
How to Fix
Update all references to the new URL. The HTTP method is preserved.
Key Differences
HTTP 301: The resource has been permanently moved to a new URL. All future requests should use the new URL. Search engines will transfer link equity to the new URL.
HTTP 308: The resource has been permanently moved. Like 301, but guarantees the HTTP method will NOT be changed.
You encounter 301 when after domain migrations, URL restructuring, or when consolidating duplicate URLs.
You encounter 308 when for permanent URL changes where POST requests must remain POST.
When to Use Which
For 301 (Moved Permanently): Update links and bookmarks to the new URL in the Location header. For SEO, this is the preferred redirect for permanent moves. For 308 (Permanent Redirect): Update all references to the new URL. The HTTP method is preserved.