Google Keeps Debunking 301 Redirect Dilution Myths

Sep 19, 2017 - 8:11 am 14 by

Google Juice

For the past couple years, Google has been trying to communicate that 301 and 302 redirects pass full PageRank. They documented how redirects work in Google, they mocked those that argued, called SEOs out as being wrong but yet, still today, SEOs don't believe Google when they say that 301 and 302 redirects pass full PageRank.

Just the other day, Christoph Cemper from Link Research Tools said "302 pass rankings in a durable way. 301 erodes them over time," based on a study he ran a year or so ago. In which Gary Illyes from Google responded "What... How on earth did you come to that conclusion?! O.o."

A few days before, Gary also said this:

Google specifically looked into it and told SEOs they pass full PageRank but some SEOs tested it and said no, Google does not. Google says that SEOs cannot fully test this as their are too many reasons for ranking changes.

A lot of the confusion might come from back in 2010 Matt Cutts saying redirects do dilute PageRank. But times change.

Who do you believe?

Forum discussion at Twitter.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: August 26, 2025

Aug 26, 2025 - 10:00 am
Google

Google: We're Testing Changes To AI Mode To Encourage Clicks

Aug 26, 2025 - 7:51 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Google Search Console Link Report Doesn't Have A Last Updated Date

Aug 26, 2025 - 7:41 am
Bing Ads

Microsoft Responds To Hard To See Search Ad Labels

Aug 26, 2025 - 7:31 am
Other Search Engines

Sparktoro Research: Traditional Search Is Not Declining

Aug 26, 2025 - 7:21 am
Bing Ads

Dos and Don'ts Of Microsoft Advertising Suspensions & Appeals

Aug 26, 2025 - 7:11 am
 
Previous Story: Google: Shopping Cart Abandonment Not A Search Ranking Factor