# What is a redirect? **URL:** \ **Category:** Links\ **Tags:** shorten-link, redirect, link-cloaking, 301-redirect, cta-overlay\ **Created:** [August 29, 2024, 3:56am UTC](https://discussions.linko.me/t/what-is-a-redirect/46 "2024-08-29T03:56:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![linko](https://discussions.linko.me/user_avatar/discussions.linko.me/linko/32/337_2.png) [@linko](https://discussions.linko.me/u/linko)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2024, 3:56am UTC](https://discussions.linko.me/t/what-is-a-redirect/46/1 "2024-08-29T03:56:54Z")
The term “ **redirect** ” refers to URL forwarding, which is a mechanism on the World Wide Web (WWW) that guides users and search engines from one URL (web address) to another (destination URL). > **For example,** if you click on a _ **shortened** _ or _ **non-shortened** _ link, and it directs you to another destination, it is called a redirect. * * * ## What is the redirect feature at Linko? Linko is a [link shortening tool](https://linko.me) that offers three **(3)** different types of redirections for shortened URLs. - Direct - Splash (transitional) - Link Cloaking (Link Masking) > Custom splash pages use the _ **splash** _ method for redirection, while CTA overlays use _ **link cloaking** _ redirection. * * * ## What is direct redirection? A direct redirection method immediately directs the user without displaying an _ **intermediate page** _, achieved through a server-side redirect. When using a direct method to share a link, crawlers will immediately retrieve the target page. > **Note:** When using or assigning a [retargeting pixel](https://discussions.linko.me/t/how-to-set-up-retargeting-pixel/69) to a short link with the direct method for redirection, an unobtrusive intermediary page will briefly appear for **2 seconds** before the redirection occurs, which is necessary for the pixel’s activation. **Example of a short link with direct redirection:** - [https://my.linko.me/Direct-Redirection](https://my.linko.me/Direct-Redirection) * * * ## What is link cloaking redirection? **[Link cloaking](https://blog.linko.me/link-cloaking/)** is a marketing technique often used in affiliate marketing, where the original URL of an affiliate link is hidden behind a [branded short link](https://blog.linko.me/branded-short-links-with-a-custom-domain/). Cloaked links typically **mask the original URL** by hiding it behind a short link, and they open the destination link within an _ **iframe** _, which is a technique that allows for the embedding of one webpage within another. This method is often used to _ **obscure** _ the true source of the link, making it look cleaner and more appealing to users. > **Note:** some websites do not work with this method because of a security rule that forces browsers to hinder iframes. **Example of a short link with link cloaking redirection:** - [https://my.linko.me/Link-Cloaking](https://my.linko.me/Link-Cloaking) * * * ## What is splash redirection? A splash page is an **intermediary page** that is quite beneficial in offering users a glimpse of the website they are about to enter. It acts as a **safeguard** , affording users a moment to consider if they wish to proceed or not. **Example of a short link with splash redirection:** - [https://my.linko.me/Splash-Demo](https://my.linko.me/Splash-Demo) * * * ## What is custom splash redirection? The [custom splash page](https://discussions.linko.me/t/how-to-create-a-custom-splash-page/106) is a premium feature that enables you to design a _ **promotional page** _ linked to a short URL. Users who navigate through the custom splash page will briefly encounter the _ **promotional content** _ before being redirected. **Example of a short link with custom splash page:** - [https://allmylink.me/Custom-Splash-Demo](https://allmylink.me/Custom-Splash-Demo) * * * ### What is CTA overlay redirection? The [CTA overlay](https://discussions.linko.me/t/how-to-create-a-cta-overlay/108) is a remarkable feature that enables the use or embedding of a dynamic lead widget into shortened links. It operates on the same concept as _ **iframe** _ or _ **link cloaking** _ techniques, injecting engaging widgets such as popup messages, contact forms, or polls into the shortened link (destination URL). **Example of a short link with CTA overlay:** - [https://allmylink.me/CTA-Demo](https://allmylink.me/CTA-Demo) * * * ## What are Linko’s short links redirect status code? Linko uses **301 redirects** for its short links. - **301 redirects** indicate a permanent redirect to a new URL. - These are the preferred choice for preserving **SEO value** and ensuring search engines understand the destination is permanent. * * * ### What is a 301 redirect? A **301 redirect** is a server response code that permanently redirects visitors and search engines from one URL to another. - **SEO-friendly** : Maintains link equity and ranking signals. - **Permanent** : Signals search engines the new URL should replace the old one. **Example:** ```auto example.com/old-page → example.com/new-page ``` * * * ## Is Linko’s short link optimized for SEO? Yes, Linko’s short links are **SEO-friendly** because they: - Use **301 redirects** , preserving link equity. - Allow the inclusion of **[UTM parameters](https://discussions.linko.me/t/how-to-add-utm-parameters-to-url/76)** for campaign tracking. - Provide options for **[custom slugs](https://discussions.linko.me/t/how-to-add-a-custom-alias-to-my-short-links/47)** with keywords. * * * ## Why redirect status codes matter for short links? Yes, the redirect status code is important for **SEO**. - **301 redirects** pass ranking signals and ensure smooth transitions. - **302 redirects** do not transfer SEO value as they indicate a temporary redirect. * * * ## 301 vs. 302 redirects: Key differences explained | **301 Redirect** | **302 Redirect** | | --- | --- | | Permanent redirect | Temporary redirect | | Transfers SEO value ✅ | Does not transfer SEO value ❌ | | Recommended for short links | Used for temporary changes |