Guide to Redirecting URLs on WordPress: Types, Methods, and Best Practices

Redirecting URLs is a fundamental aspect of managing your website’s SEO. It not only helps prevent issues like duplicate content but also enhances user experience and ensures that traffic flows to the most relevant pages. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of redirecting URLs on a WordPress site.

Understanding Redirects

A redirect serves as a pathway, guiding users and search engines from one URL to another. For instance, if a page is deleted without a redirect in place, users will encounter a 404 error, which can negatively impact your SEO efforts. Search engines tend to overlook pages that return a 404 status, and any backlinks to that page lose their value. To avoid this, it’s crucial to implement a 301 redirect to a similar page that fulfills the same purpose.

When to Use Redirects

Redirects are particularly useful in several scenarios:

• When migrating your website to a new server.
• After a significant update to your website or its navigation.
• To prevent duplicate content issues.
• When moving content to a new URL.

Types of Redirects

There are several types of redirects, each serving a different purpose:

• 301 Redirect: A permanent redirect, ideal for moving pages permanently while retaining link equity.
• 302/307 Redirect: Temporary redirects, useful when you want to redirect users to another page for a limited time.
• Meta Refresh: Typically client-side redirects that redirect users after a set time, not recommended for SEO.
• HTTP to HTTPS Redirect: Forces browsers to access the HTTPS version of a page, enhancing security.

Client-side vs. Server-side Redirects

Redirects can be categorized into two types:

• Client-side Redirects: These occur in the browser when a user clicks a link, often seen as a time-delay redirect.
• Server-side Redirects: These happen at the server level, automatically redirecting users when they access an outdated page.

Implementing Redirects in WordPress

Using the htaccess File

The htaccess file is a configuration file that helps manage how your server displays pages. However, editing this file is recommended only for those familiar with web development. Here’s a brief guide:

1. Check your web host’s htaccess editing rules to ensure you have the necessary access.
2. Backup your site and create a copy of the current htaccess file for safety.
3. Add the following line at the top of the file:

Redirect 301 /current-page.html http://www.yoursite.com/new-page/

Using Plugins to Redirect URLs

For those who prefer a more straightforward approach, using a plugin can simplify the redirect process. Here are three popular plugins:

1. Yoast SEO

Renowned for its SEO features, Yoast also allows for easy URL redirection:

1. Log into your WordPress dashboard and back up your site.
2. Install and activate the Yoast SEO plugin.
3. Navigate to the Yoast menu, select “Redirects,” and choose the redirect type.
4. Input the old and new URLs, then click “Add Redirect.”

2. Redirection by John Goodley

This user-friendly plugin focuses solely on URL redirections:

1. Install the Redirection plugin from the WordPress repository.
2. Go to “Tools,” then select “Redirection.”
3. Click “Add New,” enter the old and new URL slugs, and save.

3. 301 Redirects — Easy Redirect Manager

This plugin is designed for straightforward redirection management:

1. Download and install the 301 Redirects plugin.
2. Go to “Manage Redirects” under the plugin settings.
3. Select the redirect type and enter the old and new URL slugs, then save.

Maintaining Your Redirects

Finding and fixing broken links is crucial for keeping your website user-friendly and SEO-friendly. Regular audits can help identify these issues:

1. Run a site audit tool to check for broken links.
2. Monitor for any temporary redirects, as they can dilute your SEO efforts.
3. Address internal links to ensure they point to the correct pages.

Setting up recurring audits can help you stay on top of any redirect issues. You can configure your auditing tool to run at scheduled intervals, sending you notifications upon completion.