Domain redirect: guide for redirects

Want to automatically forward visitors from one domain to another? That's called a domain redirect. In this article, we explain how redirects work and when to use them.

What is a domain redirect?

A redirect automatically sends visitors from one web address to another. For example:

• old-domain.nl → new-domain.nl
• example.com → example.nl
• www.example.nl → example.nl

Visitors only notice a quick switch and end up on the right page.

Types of redirects

301 redirect (permanent)

A 301 redirect indicates the move is permanent. Use for:

• Website moving to new domain
• Old URLs that never return
• www to non-www (or vice versa)

SEO impact: Search engines transfer ranking to the new address.

302 redirect (temporary)

A 302 redirect is temporary. Use for:

• Temporary maintenance page
• A/B testing
• Seasonal redirects

SEO impact: Search engines keep the original address in the index.

Meta refresh

A redirect via HTML. Slower and less reliable. Avoid where possible.

When to use a redirect?

1. Rebranding

Your company gets a new name. Redirect the old domain to the new so customers still find you.

2. Domain consolidation

You have multiple domains (example.nl, example.com, example.be) and want to direct them to one main domain.

3. WWW to non-WWW

For SEO it's smart to choose one version. Redirect the other:

• www.example.nl → example.nl
• or: example.nl → www.example.nl

4. HTTPS redirect

Forward HTTP traffic to HTTPS for security:

• http://example.nl → https://example.nl

5. Misspelled domains

Register common typos and redirect to the correct domain.

How to set up a redirect?

Option 1: Via your registrar

Most registrars offer a redirect function:

1. Log in to your registrar
2. Go to domain settings
3. Find "Redirect" or "Forward"
4. Enter destination address
5. Choose 301 or 302
6. Save

Option 2: Via your hosting (.htaccess)

For Apache servers you can set redirects via .htaccess:

# 301 redirect for entire domain
Redirect 301 / https://new-domain.nl/

# Specific page redirect
Redirect 301 /old-page https://new-domain.nl/new-page

Option 3: Via DNS (ALIAS/ANAME)

Some DNS providers offer ALIAS or ANAME records. These work as redirect at DNS level.

SEO considerations

Do this:

• Use 301 for permanent moves
• Redirect individual pages to equivalent pages
• Update internal links to new URLs
• Report the move in Google Search Console

Don't do this:

• Redirect chains (A→B→C) - keep it to maximum one step
• Redirect loops (A→B→A)
• Use 302 for permanent moves
• Send all pages to the homepage

Common problems

"Redirect loop detected"

You accidentally created a loop. Check if both domains don't point to each other.

"Too many redirects"

Multiple redirects in succession. Simplify the chain.

"Redirect doesn't work"

• Clear browser cache
• Check if DNS propagation is complete
• Verify redirect settings

Frequently asked questions

How long should I keep a redirect active? Minimum one year, preferably permanent. Search engines and visitors may use old URLs for a long time.

Do I lose SEO value with a redirect? A 301 retains most of your SEO value. There's a small loss, but this usually recovers.

Can I remove a redirect later? Yes, but you lose the connection. Old links won't work anymore.

Does a redirect cost money? Usually not at your registrar. You do need an active domain registration.

Also read about setting up subdomains and connecting domain to hosting.