Strange problem - Whitehat SEO Help required

[aftershock2020]

It was designed to be used in the matter of moving a domain content to a new licensed domain and yes, it isn't a true error per say, however, the issue that I see far too many people doing is using it as a gateway port rather than a formatted and proper redirect as you are mentioning in this case. That was my point of reference where there is infact and issue, as you've stated yourself, with the intent of tricking google.

Using it for proper redirect from an old, taken or outdated domain to another new one is nothing new. People tend to abuse the redirect calls and infact do get errors not for the redirect itself but caused by the misuse and misapplication of the redirect, causing loss of the connection to the proper intended landing link. In that being the case, google does by default list those errors if a bot is unable to follow a redirect at any given time.

I'm specifically referring to the errors that they cause more than being an error function itself. Good point to be cleared up, as I don't want to mislead anyone otherwise.

Actually, a 301 redirect isn't an error code.
I usually don't disagree with aftershock2020, and this is minor point. He has a lot more experience at this stuff than I do, especially if you want to run an online business he's someone you should listen to. There really are good reasons for using on-page redirects sometimes, so I'm not disagreeing with him about that, but here's the information I use regarding HTTP error codes.

Of all the http status codes, only the 400's and 500's are considered error codes.
HTTP status codes fall into the following categories.
1xx Informational
2xx Success
3xx Redirection
4xx Client Error
5xx Server Error
You can get the specific breakdown of each status code on Wikipedia page, List of HTTP status codes.

Google won't penalize a site for a 301 redirect, in fact they recommend its use. The only time it would be a problem is if you're somehow trying to trick google with it. The situation perfect10 is describing is one of the exact reasons the 301 was implemented, they're simply moving a website from an old domain to a new domain and want to have all their previous backlinks still carry over to the new domain.

The following is taken directly from Google Webmaster Tools Help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70LR8H8pn1M&feature=player_embedded

 

[GreyWolf]

... People tend to abuse the redirect calls and infact do get errors not for the redirect itself but caused by the misuse and misapplication of the redirect, causing loss of the connection to the proper intended landing link. In that being the case, google does by default list those errors if a bot is unable to follow a redirect at any given time.
...

Yeah that and if a site is trying any other blackhat uses like redirecting to authority site to get higher pr, etc. Those type of uses can have temporary positive results, but if it gets caught google will penalize a site doing anything like that.

If the redirect is used for it's intended purpose which is the case in perfect10's situation, then a 301 redirect is a proper choice.

 

[g111k]

So what about doing SEO for a client that hasn't paid you in full... would it be ok to build links to your own page such as domain.com/client-x

Once you're done, you setup a 301 redirect - domain.com/client-x --301--> client-x.com

Case 1: The results show within 1-2 weeks (i believe it's not immediate?), the client is happy, he pays you.

Case 2: The results show, the client decides to not pay you. You remove the 301 redirect - results disappear. You can now setup a 301 redirect for beneficial SEO results to their competitor, it should still work, right?

So, would this be an ideal way of using a 301 redirect for SEO services for clients that don't pay in full / don't pay upfront... ?

 

[RankWithShelly]

So what about doing SEO for a client that hasn't paid you in full... would it be ok to build links to your own page such as domain.com/client-x

Once you're done, you setup a 301 redirect - domain.com/client-x --301--> client-x.com

Case 1: The results show within 1-2 weeks (i believe it's not immediate?), the client is happy, he pays you.

Case 2: The results show, the client decides to not pay you. You remove the 301 redirect - results disappear. You can now setup a 301 redirect for beneficial SEO results to their competitor, it should still work, right?

So, would this be an ideal way of using a 301 redirect for SEO services for clients that don't pay in full / don't pay upfront... ?

I do this with new clients because I offer pay-for-performance with a trial. I generally see results in a few days.