Overview
URL redirection is a technique which enables web pages or documents to be accessible via more than one URL address.
Redirection is made possible by various techniques, mainly by the creation of rules which forward traffic requests. When a request is made (by a web browser, service, or bot) to a resource (e.g. web page, document, path, or service) hosted on a server which matches a redirect rule, the requestor is forwarded/redirected to the destination defined by the rule and returns a status code which informs the requestor that the initially-requested resource has either permanently or temporarily relocated. If the destination does not match any further rules and the destination resource exists, the URL will resolve and the resource will be delivered (if it exists). If another rule's conditions is met, an additional redirect may occur. If the resource does not exist one of several status codes will be returned (e.g. 400, 401, 404, etc.).
Which type you need
In the HTTP protocol, several types of redirection status codes are used; however, Oregon mainly use only two types:
301 (Permanent Relocation) redirect
A permanent redirect is the type almost exclusively used by Oregon partners as it carries many benefits for Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This status code indicates that the requested resource has permanently moved, all links to it should be updated, and any previously collected information (e.g. search engine relevance or authority scores) should be transferred to the new URL.
Common uses of a 301 redirect
- Your agency reorganized their website which has resulted in different URL path for a significant resource and its previous URL(s) should must to the new location(s). This is common for agencies which have gone through the website redesign process.
- Your agency deprecated/removed a significant resource, subsite, or library and its previous URL(s) must resolve to the new location(s). This is common for agencies which have gone through the website redesign process; however, it may occur due to agency restructuring or renaming or an office or program/service/initiative.
- Your agency distributed marketing material which included an erroneous URL path which must resolve to the correct location.
- Your agency requires a shortened URL for marketing purposes which must resolve to the correct location.
302 (Temporary Relocation) redirect
A temporary redirect is rarely used as it carries many planning and maintenance responsibilities and most scenarios do not necessitate it. This status code indicates that the requested resource has temporarily moved and all links to it should stay intact and no previously collected information (e.g. search engine relevance or authority scores) should be transferred to the new URL. It is, in essence, like a "holding pattern."
Common uses of a 302 redirect
- Your agency is experiencing website downtime due to maintenance or system failure and is displaying a temporary page stating so
- Your agency is A/B testing a page or other resource and would like to do so with minimal impact to SEO ranking
- Your agency is updating a page or other resource and wishes to provide a seamless experience for visitors
Note: If your agency is unsure which type of redirect is appropriate for their situation, simply ask yourself if you plan to soon remove the redirect and allow the original location to again resolve. If the answer is No, use 301 redirect.
How to request a redirect
Update cycles
Whereas redirect request can be made 24/7, redirects are implemented (and updated) twice per month on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. This is done in order to minimize the risk of website downtime, statewide.
Renewal cycles
As each redirect creates overhead and a small delay for every request to pages and documents hosted on Oregon.gov, it
is important that all redirects are evaluated for nnecessity once per year. While it is understood that some redirects are perpetual (due to branding and marketing necessity), each rule must still be evaluated and renewed to ensure quality and efficiency.
Requesting new redirects
Step 1: Gather details
Requesting new redirects is simple and straightforward. Gather the following information for each URL redirect you require:
- Incoming URL
- The URL to be redirected
- Destination URL
- The URL to be redirected to.
-
- Action
- Create OR Modify
- Type
- 301 (Moved Permanently) OR 302 (Moved Temporarily)
- Duration
- If a 302 is to be used, include the date range necessary. If a 301 is to be used, include the date range necessary or state "Perpetual" and the redirect can be renewed within 1 year.
- Justification
- Short description of the need.
Step 2: Build a spreadsheet of requests
If you have a single URL redirect request, use the field, don't bother creating a spreadsheet; however, if you have more than
one redirect to request, create a spreadsheet using Excel or other spreadsheet program
Example of a redirect request:| Action |
Type |
Incoming URL |
Destination URL |
Justification |
Duration |
|---|
| Create |
301 |
http://www.oregon.gov/coolThings |
http://www.oregon.gov/agency/pages/my-page.aspx |
|
Perpetual |
Pro Tip: Use our worksheet/template to ensure all required information is included.
Download Worksheet
Step 3: Submit your request
Once you're ready, use the URL Redirect Form to submit your request.