retargeting definition

What Is a Redirect? How Is Redirect Interpreted on the Internet?

A redirect is a mechanism that automatically takes you to a different, more appropriate address when you visit a link. It works much like a “relocation notice” posted at a storefront, ensuring you can find content or complete a process without getting lost.

On websites, redirects are commonly used for domain changes, URL path adjustments, or returning users to their original page after login. In Web3 applications, redirects can also move users from a webpage to a wallet or confirmation screen, ensuring authorizations and signatures happen in the right place.

How Do Redirects Work? How Are HTTP Status Codes Used in Redirects?

Redirects operate by having the server send a brief numeric signal to your browser, indicating where to go next. This signal is called an HTTP status code, serving as a “signpost” for browser-server communication.

When you request address A, the server responds with instructions to “go to address B,” prompting your browser to automatically request B. Users don’t need to copy and paste links manually, and processes flow smoothly. In app scenarios, web pages can trigger system or wallet actions, enabling cross-application jumps.

What Types of Redirects Exist? When Should You Use 301, 302, 307, or 308?

Redirects are generally categorized as “permanent” or “temporary.” A 301 redirect means a permanent move, telling browsers and search engines to always go to the new address. A 302 redirect indicates a temporary move, suggesting that users should visit the new address for now but may return to the old one later.

HTTP status codes 307 and 308 offer stricter handling, ensuring the request method remains unchanged. For example, if you submit a form using “POST,” a 307 or 308 redirect will preserve the “POST” method through the redirect, preventing changes in request type.

There are also two client-side redirect methods:

• Meta Refresh: Automatically redirects the page after a few seconds, functioning like a “delayed notification.”
• Script-Based Redirect: Uses scripts to send the browser to a new address, which is suitable for frontend control but requires attention to compatibility and security.

What Is the Role of Redirects in Web3? How Do Redirects Support Wallets and dApps?

In Web3 contexts, redirects often bring users to wallets or confirmation screens. For example, when you click “Connect Wallet” in a dApp, the system may trigger a deep link—directing you to a specific page within an app.

A common flow: The webpage requests a connection, redirects to the wallet authorization page; after approval, the wallet returns you to the original callback URL to continue further actions. This ensures authorization, signature, and return happen on the correct page with minimal disruption.

How Are Redirects Used in Gate Scenarios? What Are Some Practical Examples?

Redirects are widely used in trading and account operations to ensure seamless workflows. Examples include:

• Post-login Redirect: After login, the system takes you back to your previous or designated page to avoid redundant navigation.
• Security Verification Redirect: For critical actions, pages may first redirect you to a verification screen (such as two-factor authentication or risk prompts), then return you to the original workflow upon successful verification.
• Event or Payment Confirmation: Clicking “Participate Now” may first redirect you to an identity check or confirmation page; after completion, you return to the event details page for results review.

The common thread in these scenarios is using redirects to link multi-step processes so users complete key actions on the correct page.

What Risks Are Associated With Redirects? What Happens When Redirects Are Used for Phishing?

Risks mainly arise from “open redirects,” where sites allow jumping to any external address. Attackers can craft links that appear legitimate but actually lead to spoofed pages designed to trick users into entering passwords or approving risky authorizations.

Key safeguards include:

• Always check whether the final domain is trustworthy; don’t rely solely on the initial page.
• Carefully review authorization content in your wallet; avoid signing or approving on unknown pages.
• Access important pages only via official entry points; avoid jumping from unfamiliar links.
• If you encounter unexpected redirects, immediately halt actions and verify the browser’s address bar.

Be especially cautious with financial transactions—only authorize and sign on trusted pages.

What Is the Difference Between Redirects and Proxy Contracts? Do Redirects Affect On-Chain Transactions?

Web-level redirects merely guide you to another page or address in your browser or app; they don’t directly impact on-chain transactions.

Proxy contracts are an on-chain design that forwards instructions to another smart contract for execution—think of it as “front-end relaying requests to back-end.” The two operate at different layers: redirects happen at the web or application layer, while proxy contracts function at the blockchain execution layer. Therefore, web redirects won’t alter your signature or change transaction content but can lead you to unsafe pages—always double-check authorization details and destination addresses.

How Should You Properly Set Up Redirects? What Are the Practical Considerations?

Step 1: Map Your Redirects. List out old-to-new address relationships to avoid one-to-many or looping redirects.

Step 2: Choose the Right Type. Use 301 for permanent moves; use 302 for short-term activities or A/B testing; consider 307 or 308 when maintaining request methods is necessary.

Step 3: Preserve Parameters. Ensure query strings and language/location information remain intact after redirecting so user context isn’t lost.

Step 4: Set Up Fallbacks. Prepare solutions for unavailable destinations—provide clear navigation options back to accessible pages.

Step 5: Monitor and Test. Test across devices and networks; track redirect times, failure rates, and user return rates; promptly fix anomalies.

Step 6: Perform Security Checks. Restrict external destinations using whitelists; avoid open redirects; add extra confirmations and clear prompts before and after sensitive workflows.

How Do Redirects Affect SEO? How Can You Prevent Search Losses From Redirects?

A 301 redirect typically transfers most SEO ranking power to the new address, making it suitable for permanent moves. A 302 is seen as “temporary,” so search engines may keep indexing the old address as primary. Excessive chained redirects can increase latency and hurt both crawling and user experience.

To minimize search impact:

• Use 301 for permanent changes and maintain one-to-one path mapping.
• Avoid multiple jump chains; limit redirects to one or two hops.
• Provide clear content and structure on new pages so both search engines and users can quickly find what they need.
• Continuously monitor indexation and traffic data; adjust mapping and page messaging as needed.

Summary and Recommendations for Redirects

Redirects reliably guide users from old addresses to new ones—a common solution for site migration, post-login returns, and Web3 wallet authorizations. Understanding server signals and in-app navigation logic helps balance user experience with security and SEO performance. When setting up redirects: select appropriate types, preserve user context, restrict external destinations, and implement thorough testing and monitoring. When using redirects: verify final destinations and authorization details—especially when funds are involved—to ensure that redirects support your workflow without becoming a source of risk.

FAQ

What Is the Difference Between a 301 Redirect and a 302 Redirect? Which Should You Use?

A 301 is a permanent redirect that tells browsers and search engines this link has permanently moved to a new address. A 302 is temporary—indicating only a short-term change. A 301 passes ranking power from the old link to the new one, ideal for permanent site migrations. A 302 suits temporary changes without transferring ranking power. Choose based on whether your move is permanent.

Why Am I Redirected When Visiting One Website and Ending Up on Another?

When you access a website, its server checks whether there’s a redirect instruction for that page. If so, it sends back a special HTTP response code (such as 301 or 302), telling your browser to visit another URL instead. The browser follows this instruction automatically—usually making it seem like the page opened seamlessly.

Do Redirects Affect SEO Rankings?

Yes, but it depends on which type you use. A 301 permanent redirect has minimal negative SEO impact because search engines transfer ranking authority from the old link to the new one. A 302 temporary redirect may cause search engines to continue indexing the old link, affecting rankings. Too many chained redirects (A→B→C) can slow down site performance and harm SEO; it’s best to redirect directly to the final destination.

What Are the Security Risks of Redirects in Crypto Wallets and dApps?

Redirects are commonly exploited for phishing attacks. Malicious sites may use redirects to send you to fake wallet or dApp pages designed to steal your private key or trick you into signing harmful transactions. To identify risks: check the actual URL in your browser’s address bar (not just before clicking); use bookmarks for trusted wallets; be wary of unknown links that trigger redirects. If redirected to a suspicious address, close the page immediately.

How Can I Set Up Redirects on My Own Website?

Three common methods:

• Add Redirect instructions in your .htaccess file (for Apache servers).
• Configure redirection rules in web.config (for IIS servers).
• Use meta refresh tags in your HTML head section for client-side redirects.

Server-level redirects are recommended over meta refresh because search engines recognize them more accurately. Always specify the correct HTTP status code for optimal SEO results.