How To Set Up Redirects In Wordpress?

Changing a page URL without setting up a redirect is a common mistake that leads to 404 errors. These “page not found” errors frustrate visitors and negatively impact your search engine rankings. A redirect acts like a mail-forwarding service, ensuring that anyone trying to reach an old address is automatically sent to the new one.

What Is a Redirect?

A redirect sends visitors and search engines from one URL to another. For example, if you move content from https://yoursite.com/old-page to https://yoursite.com/new-page, a redirect ensures the transition is seamless for the user.

Using a Redirect Plugin

For most WordPress users, using a dedicated plugin is the safest and easiest approach. We recommend Redirection because it is free, reliable, and requires no coding.

How to Set Up the Redirection Plugin:

Navigate to your WordPress Dashboard and go to Plugins → Add New.
Search for Redirection, then install and activate it.
Go to Tools → Redirection and click Add New.
In Source URL, enter the old path (e.g., /old-page).
In Target URL, enter the full new destination (e.g., https://yoursite.com/new-page).
Click Add Redirect to finalize.

Using Yoast SEO Premium

If you already pay for Yoast SEO Premium, you have access to a built-in manager. Simply navigate to SEO → Redirects, choose your redirect type, enter the URLs, and save. This is a great way to keep your site lean if you already utilize the Yoast ecosystem.

Editing .htaccess (Advanced)

⚠️ Warning: Only use this method if you are comfortable editing server files. A small syntax error can take your entire website offline. Always perform a backup first.

Access your site’s .htaccess file via FTP or your hosting cPanel and append the following code to the bottom:

Redirect 301 /old-page https://yoursite.com/new-page

Understanding Redirect Types

301 Redirect (Permanent): This tells search engines that the page has moved forever. This is the standard choice for SEO.
302 Redirect (Temporary): Use this if you plan to bring the original page back later (e.g., during seasonal maintenance).

When to Use Redirects

You have deleted or renamed a page.
You have overhauled your site structure or permalink settings.
You are migrating to a new domain.
You are merging multiple blog posts into one comprehensive guide.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid “Redirect Chains”: Do not redirect Page A to Page B, then Page B to Page C. Always point directly to the final destination.
Update Internal Links: While redirects help, you should still update links within your own content to point directly to new URLs to improve load times.
Test Your Work: After saving, open an incognito window and type in the old URL to ensure it lands correctly. You can also use tools like httpstatus.io to verify the redirect is functioning properly.

Setting up redirects is a small maintenance task that yields significant benefits for your site’s health. It keeps your visitors happy and ensures Google continues to index your content correctly. If you have recently changed your site structure, taking ten minutes to map your redirects is the best thing you can do for your SEO

How To Set Up Redirects In WordPress