Is domain forwarding the same as a 301 redirect?

[BrandonDebison]

Hi, I have an older domain with some SEO auth for varying pages and a newer domain that is for the brand. Right now there are some 301s for about 13 pages and we are currently moving servers. I was wondering if domain forwarding is the same as writing 301 redirects for each page or is it something different (302)?

[BrandonDebison]

@Kateparish

Thanks,

I was hoping to find that a domain redirect/forwarding would be like a 301 and include the paths from the previous site to the new one instead of needing to create numerous 301s.

[BrandonDebison]

@Tom-Capper

Sorry for the late reply.

From what I have been able to find, it is an either-or situation. Basically, I think that I am forced to write out all the 301 redirects for each of their paths to the new site to ensure they don't lose any of the SEO they may have gathered on the way.

[Kateparish]

Domain forwarding and 301 redirects are different. Forwarding involves moving an entire domain to a new one, while 301s are about individual pages. To maintain SEO authority:

• Use 301 redirects for specific pages.
• For general traffic forwarding, utilize domain forwarding.
• Always employ a 301 redirect for a permanent move, as it informs search engines to pass on SEO authority. A 302 redirect is for a temporary move.

[Tom.Capper]

@BrandonDebison

This will ultimately depend on your provider, and they should have supporting documentation.

I think in most cases the redirect will be a 301, but it may not retain the path - in other words, all pages on the old site could redirect to the one new URL that you enter.