A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect from one URL to another. In order to maintain a smooth user experience and maintain your website’s search engine rankings, you need 301 redirects. These links help when you’re restricting your website, moving content, or fixing broken links.

As someone starting out in an online business or wishing to increase your online presence, you must optimise your SEO and user experience. One major factor affecting your website performance is 301 redirects. In this article, learn about methods to set up your redirects in WordPress and make sure your websites are in the best condition for your potential customers.

Why Use 301 Redirects?

Before getting to setting up 301 redirects, you must understand why 301 redirects are needed:

  • SEO Preservation: When you move a page, you risk the SEO rankings your page has already built up. To optimise your SEO, use 301 redirects so that the search engine can easily transfer to the new URL link.
  • User Experience: You cannot risk having 404 errors on your website that can massively upset your potential organic visitors. Using redirects ensures you keep your website up and running for visitors without any technical issues.
  • Improved Content: Your blog posts might have become outdated or irrelevant with time. You can have redirects in such cases that can replace your obsolete articles with newer ones that describe your goals better.
Also Read: The Non-Tech Savvy Guide to Setting Up a WordPress Website

Setting Up 301 Redirects in WordPress

Here are a few simple ways to set up your 301 redirect WordPress:

1. Using Plugins

When you’re not a coder and not very technically adaptable, plugins are an easy option to manage 301 redirect WordPress.

  • Redirection: This free plugin has a very user-friendly interface and comes with loads of powerful features to manage redirects.
  • Simple 301 Redirects: Another simple-to-use plugin that can help you with redirects without the issues of learning the technical aspect.
  • Yoast SEO Premium: If you’re already using Yoast SEO, you can always access the redirect manager with the premium version.

Steps to Use the Redirection Plugin

Install the plugin and activate it:

  • Open your WordPress dashboard first
  • Find the ‘plugins’> ‘add new’
  • Search for ‘redirection’ and click Install Now
  • Activate the plugin

Set Up the 301 Redirect:

  • Find the Tools > Redirection
  • Go ahead and click on ‘Add New’
  • In the source URL field, enter the old URL
  • In the target URL field, enter the new URL
  • Choose 301 (Permanent) as the Redirection type
  • Go ahead and select ‘Add Redirect’

2.   Editing the .htaccess File

This method is for users who are familiar with coding. You can edit the .htaccess file directly to set up 301 redirect WordPress. This method will need access to your website’s files by FTP or cPanel

Caution: Before making any changes to the code, make sure you back up your website. Any incorrect edits to .htaccess can actually break your website.

Also Read: WordPress Plugins: Easy and Quick Tools to Convert Your Website into a Mobile App

Steps to Edit the .htaccess File

  • Access the .htaccess File:
  • Connect to your website with an FTP client or with your cPanel

Add the 301 Redirect Code:

  • You must now open the .htaccess file in a text editor.
  • Add the following code:
Redirect 301 /old-page/ https://www.yourwebsite.com/new-page/
  • Replace /old-page/ with the path of your old URL and https://www.yourwebsite.com/new-page/  with the full URL of the new page you have selected as the redirect.

Save and Upload:

Make sure you save the changes you made and upload the .htaccess file back to the root directory.

Using the WordPress Functions File

Another method that you can easily manage for setting up 301 redirects in WordPress is by editing the functions.php file in your theme. In this method, you will add a custom function to handle the redirect.

Steps to Use the Functions File

Access the functions.php File:

  • Find Appearance > Theme Editor in your dashboard.
  • Select the functions. Php file from the list.

Add the Redirect Code:

  • Add the following code to your functions.php file:
function my_custom_redirect() {

if ( is_page( ‘old-page-slug’ ) ) {

wp_redirect( ‘https://www.yourwebsite.com/new-page/’, 301 );

 exit;

 }

}

add_action( ‘template_redirect’, ‘my_custom_redirect’ );

Save the Changes:

  • Make sure you save the functions.php file.

Comparison Table: Methods to Set Up 301 Redirects in WordPress

Method Ease of Use Customisation Recommended For
Plugins Very Easy High Beginners, Non-coders
.htaccess File Intermediate High Intermediate users, Developers
WordPress Functions File Intermediate Medium Developers, Custom solutions

Wrapping Up

To ensure you provide your visitors and customers with the best website experience, use 301 redirect WordPress. No matter the methods you use to implement redirects, you can rebuild your website confidently, relocate content, and eliminate broken links.

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