Have you ever noticed that, you click on any link and it takes you to another page, without even clicking again? Sometimes it happens due to Http error: 308 – Permanent Redirect.
It is a type of message you take from the website’s server side that tries to tell you that “Hey! The content you are making request for is shifted to somewhere else permanently”.
It helps users and search engines to find the new place of content— it makes sure that site works smoothly and flawlessly, and helps avoiding broken links.
Key Takeaways
- A 308 status code means a resource (site page, file, etc.) has permanently moved to a new site URL.
- Unlike 301 redirects, a 308 redirect makes sure that your original method of request (like POST or GET) remains same
- Search engines treat 308s like 301s for ranking your website: links to the old URL usually count toward the new one.
What Is HTTP 308 Permanent Redirect?
To understand the 308 permanent redirect it is important for you to understand:
➯ Meaning of 308 Status Code
When website server responds with 308 response code, It means:
The resource you are looking for has been moved permanently to another place and it will not come back again. In other words the URL you are using to look for specific content is no longer correct.
The response you get in response includes a Location header that points to a new URL—which your user or your search engine will follow.
The most important thing is the technique you are mostly using (just like GET for reading a site page, or any post for submitting a site form) stay as it is during the 308 redirect. This is the huge difference that you can see from http 301 in some cases.
➯ Difference Between 301 and 308
Following we discussed the difference between 301 and 308
| Feature | 301 (Moved permanently) | 301 (Moved permanently) |
|---|---|---|
| It shows permanent move of page | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| If HTTP technique may changes | Occasionally Yes!A site post may change into GET | Absolutely NO!The request technique (GET or Post) remains unchanged. |
| Use cases when possible for you | When you are certain that GET is fine, you don’t need to preserve the request technique. Generally URL changes and domain moves. | When you really need to preserve technique. |
Common Uses of 308 Redirect
Following are the common uses of 308 status code.
➯ Moving Domains or Pages Permanently
Just imagine that you are changing your website name or your website structure —moving from “http://youroldsite.com/page” to “https://yournewsite.com/newpage”. Now the secret recipe of 308 http is , when you are using 308 status code the old site URL will be sent to the new URL address permanently.
According to this your search browser or search engines will update it. It allows your audience to avoid any uncertainty like site broken links or missing data.
➯ Enforcing HTTPS or Canonical URLs
If you want all your site audience to use the best and secure version of your website — say from http:// to https:// — you can simply set up a redirect for this.
- A 308 permanent redirect is a best option for you if you want a request that submits data (POST) to remain unchanged during the redirect.
- A 308 redirect is best for you if you prefer one URL format ( with or without “www” protocol, or if you need a clean URL structure.)
How to Fix or Implement 308 Redirects
Following are the ways to fix or implement 308 redirects.
➯ Update Server Configurations (.htaccess, Nginx)
- In case your site is on Apache, you may use .htaccess rule or server configuration to set up 308 redirects.
Example: For Apache:-
“RedirectPermanent /oldpage” “https://example.com/newpage”
- On the other hand for Nginx, you can use something like:
Example: For Nginx
location /old-path {
return 308 https://example.com/new-path;
}
- Always remember: it is important for you to test, after you make changes to make sure that your requests are being correctly redirected. It is better to use tools like browser dev tools, or online HTTP status checkers.
➯ Check Internal Links and Sitemaps
Once you are done with setting 308 response code, it is important for you to update your internal links to point your site link directly to your new URL instead of relying highly on redirects. It improves your website speed and reduces uncertainties.
Update your website sitemap.xml, so that search engines like Google see the right URLs immediately. Don’t leave old URLs unnecessarily as it confuses search engines.
SEO Impact of 308 Redirects
Following are the SEO imapacts of 308 Redirects:
➯ Preserves Link Equity Like 301
Link equity, which is also known as “link juice”, cites a usefulness that a link provides in terms of ranking power. People are also often concerned about “if they no longer access to SEO by shifts in URLs for all time?”
The positive thing is that 308s act similar to 301s in the method of search engine treatment. It progresses the categorized signals, presuming the redirect setup appropriately and accurately.
As the primary HTTP technique is saved, you prevent problems where APIs and forms may corrupt data or operations while redirecting. It creates 308s exceptionally secure in particular circumstances.
➯ Avoiding Redirect Chains
The redirect chain is where the URL A redirects to B, that redirects to C and so on. Chains delays and cause diluted SEO benefits. However, if you are using 308 redirects try doing it in one hop (Right From previous URL to new URL).
Also assure that there are no loops (if the URL in time redirects back to itself). Which then causes/ source inaccuracy and frustrating user experience
FAQs
What does HTTP 308 mean?
It means the page has a permanent redirect and the request method (GET/POST) does not change.
How is 308 different from 301?
308 is different from 301 because 308 keeps the same request method, while 301 may change it.
Is 308 good for SEO?
Yes, 308 is good for SEO because it passes link equity like 301 redirects.
When should I use 308 instead of 301?
When you need a permanent redirect without changing the request method.
Can 308 redirects cause problems?
Yes, if misconfigured, they can create loops or block access.
