URL Redirection is a technique used in directing visitors to new pages or changed domains. For the purpose of having good onpage optimization, it is always important to practice the proper redirect techniques to keep the link juices flowing.

The Purpose of URL Redirections
There are many reasons and purposes for applying the redirect techniques. However, it is commonly done to preserve or pass link juices to a newer page or domain. Below is a summary of the common reasons for redirecting a page or domain:

1. Incorrectly spelled domains. Eg. ezbusinessneeds.com and ezbuisnessneeds.com
2. Changed domain name. Eg. Original site has been moved to a new domain name.
3. Merge 2 or more sites. Eg. Having several domain names pointing to one domain.
4. Moved pages.
5. Updates to page's URL address.

Types of HTTP Status Codes
Understanding the HTTP status codes will provide you with a better understanding of the effects of different Redirect Techniques.

1. 300 Multiple Choices - There are too many similar document names and the web server is unable to determine the specific URL.
2. 301 Moved Permanently - Indication of a permanent moved page and passes link juices to new page.
3. 302 Found - Default redirect method when a 301 permanent redirect is not indicated. It does not pass link juices.
4. 303 See Other - A 303 status code indicates that the response to the request can be found at the specified URL, and should be retrieved from there. It does not mean that something has moved - it is simply specifying the address at which the response to the request can be found.

Types of Redirects

1. Manual URL Redirect - The simplest method is the basic html anchor, making use of the a href tag
2. Server-side Redirects - It can be done with server-side scripting such as PHP, ASP, CGI, etc.
3. Javascript Redirects - Not recommended for SEO purposes. This technique is ignored by the search engines.
4. Meta Refresh - Not recommended for SEO purposes. It is suggested that meta refresh is treated as a 302 redirect which does not pass link juices.
5. Using .htaccess for Redirects - Highly Recommended. Applying 301 redirection for each page URL. Eg. Redirect 301 /old-page.html http://www.example.com/new-page.html

For the purposes of Search Engine Optimization, it is important to understand that the default redirect is 302 Found which serves as a temporary redirect and does not pass link juices to the new page. 301 redirection is recommended when moving pages or domains permanently because it helps in passing existing link juices to the newer pages or domains. 301 Redirection is SEO friendly and search engines treat this status code with more authority when compared against 302 code.

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