The URL in question is involved in a cyclic redirection sequence — for example, URL 1 → URL 2 → URL 3 → URL 1 — which makes the page unreachable.
Why is this important?
A redirection, usually a 301 (permanent) or 302 (temporary), signifies a new location for a page, leading users from an old URL to a new one. A redirect loop involves multiple URLs redirecting in a sequence, ultimately circling back to the starting URL.
This hampers SEO as search engines cannot index the content on the page. It also degrades user experience, as they face an error indicating too many redirects.
What does the Optimization check?
The Optimization is activated for any internal URL which is caught in a chained redirect cycle.
Examples that trigger this Optimization:
Imagine you have the URL: https://example.com/page1
The Optimization would engage for any URL that triggers a 3XX HTTP status code in its response:
HTTP/... 301 Moved Permanently...Location: https://example.com/page2
which is part of a redirect chain, such that https://example.com/page2 also redirects:
HTTP/... 301 Moved Permanently...Location: https://example.com/page3
and https://example.com/page3 redirects back to the initial URL:
HTTP/... 301 Moved Permanently...Location: https://example.com/page1
How do you resolve this issue?
The redirect loop creates a roadblock for navigation and must be fixed.
Addressing this problem calls for a systematic approach:
Decipher the redirect sequence to map out all URLs that are redirecting.
If the pages shouldn't redirect, adjust the status code to 200.
For pages that do need redirection, ensure the destination URL is correct and update all referring links to point directly to this proper destination.
How do you get more data from Sitebulb?
To dissect the redirect chain, observe all URLs involved in the sequence. Achieve this by selecting the URL Details option in the URL List, then inspect the Redirect Chain section in the Overview.
Additionally, assess the Incoming Links to establish necessary updates to the redirection targets.