Redirecting root domain to a page based on user login

[annalytical]

We have our main URL redirecting non-logged in users to a specific page and logged in users are directed to their dashboard when going to the main URL. We find this to be the most user-friendly, however, this is all being picked up as a 302 redirect.

I am trying to advise on the ideal way to accomplish this, but I am not having much luck in my search for information. I believe we are going to put a true homepage at the root domain and simply redirect logged in users as usual when they hit the URL, but I'm still concerned this will cause issues with Google and other search engines.

Anyone have experience with domains that need to work in this manner?

Thank you!

Anna

[matbennett]

I do this on a few domains and it works well and without a problem.

You should ensure that logged out users (and those who's status you cannot verify) are not directed and then only direct the logged in ones.  That way any crawlers (and logged out users) that come along will not see the redirect at all and just read the url that they requested.

This is slightly different logic to.  It sounds like you might be  testing all users and redirecting them to one of two different URLs - neither of which is the one they requested.  This would be undesirable and would cause the 302 that you describe.

[annalytical]

Thank you - you have given me the perfect way to explain this to our development team. Many thanks!!

Anna

[matbennett]

You're welcome.  Let me know if they come back with any questions.