SEO redirection in WordPress is a way to send both users and search engines to a different URL from the one they originally requested. Geo Controller offers HTTP codes like 301, 302, 303, 307, 308 and even the most unwanted but useful 404 redirection.
Depending on your needs, you should use SEO redirection with one of the following HTTP status codes:
301 Moved Permanently
A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect. It’s the most recommended method for implementing redirection on a website.
Note: A 301 is permanent only while the redirect command exists. If you remove the redirect, Google will revert and reindex the original page.
Use this redirect if you want to permanently move traffic and SEO value from one URL to another.
302 Temporary Redirect
A 302 redirect is temporary. It does not pass SEO value like a 301 redirect and may cause duplicate content issues.
Although Google now treats 302 as similar to 301 in most cases, it’s not ideal. You should only use 302 when you’re certain the move is temporary.
Recommendation: Use 301 if unsure.
303 See Other
The 303 redirect is used mainly for redirecting after a POST request. It points the client to another URI using a GET request.
This is commonly used in RESTful APIs and Semantic Web logic where the original resource is not directly returnable (e.g. a real-world object).
Example use: Redirect user to a “status” page after submitting a form that takes time to process asynchronously.
307 Temporary Redirect
The 307 status is the HTTP 1.1-compliant version of 302 and retains the original HTTP method (e.g. POST stays POST).
Use this when temporarily moving content but preserving the original request method is essential.
Difference vs. 302: 307 does not allow method switching, which makes it predictable in HTTP APIs and form submissions.
308 Permanent Redirect
The 308 status works like 301 but does not allow the HTTP method to change.
That means a POST stays POST — even in a permanent redirect. It’s suitable for permanent form-based routing without losing data.
Difference vs. 301: 301 may change POST to GET; 308 preserves the method.
404 Not Found
A 404 error means the server was reached but the requested resource could not be found. It’s the standard “Page Not Found” error.
You can use this status to block access to URLs or geo visitors that should not receive any valid page at all.
Most servers (like Apache) allow you to customize your 404 error page to be more helpful. For example, you can offer a search box, navigation, or contact links.
Choosing the Right HTTP Code
Below is a summary to help you decide:
| Code | Type | Changes Method | SEO Safe | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 301 | Permanent | Yes | Yes ✅ | Permanent page or domain move |
| 302 | Temporary | Yes (unpredictable) | No ❌ | Temporary page move (discouraged) |
| 303 | Temporary (See Other) | Always changes to GET | Neutral | After POST, redirect to a result page |
| 307 | Temporary | No | Yes ✅ | Temporary, with method preserved |
| 308 | Permanent | No | Yes ✅ | Permanent, with method preserved |
| 404 | Error | N/A | No ❌ | Page intentionally not found or blocked |
Best Practice: Use 301 for most SEO-related redirects unless you have a very specific technical reason to use one of the others.