Redirect Implementation Errors

Improper redirect configuration from HTTP to HTTPS creates SEO problems and security vulnerabilities. Using 302 temporary redirects instead of 301 permanent redirects fails to transfer SEO equity to HTTPS URLs. Search engines may continue indexing HTTP versions, creating duplicate content issues. Redirect chains that bounce users through multiple URLs add latency and potential failure points. Each redirect represents an opportunity for attackers to intercept and redirect traffic.

Redirect loops occur when configuration errors cause infinite redirection between HTTP and HTTPS versions. Common causes include CloudFlare flexible SSL with forced HTTPS redirects, load balancers terminating SSL without proper backend communication, and CMS plugins conflicting with server-level redirects. These loops make sites completely inaccessible, frustrating users and damaging search rankings. Testing redirect behavior across different URL patterns prevents these failures.

Canonical URL confusion arises when sites fail to update canonical tags after HTTPS migration. Canonical tags pointing to HTTP URLs while serving HTTPS pages send conflicting signals to search engines. This confusion can delay or prevent proper HTTPS indexing, maintaining vulnerability to duplicate content penalties. Self-referential canonicals on HTTPS pages clarify the preferred version. Consistency across redirects, canonicals, and sitemaps ensures clear communication to search engines.

WWW and non-WWW subdomain handling requires careful attention during HTTPS migration. Sites must decide on a canonical version (with or without www) and redirect all variations to this chosen format. Certificates must cover all accessed domains through Subject Alternative Names or wildcard certificates. Failure to properly handle subdomain variations results in certificate warnings or accessibility issues. Clear redirect rules should handle all permutations of HTTP/HTTPS and WWW/non-WWW combinations.