301 redirects are an effective way to enhance your website, maintain strong SEO, and direct users to the relevant pages. In this guide, we’ll explain what a 301 redirect is, its impact on SEO, and how to set it up on various platforms, including WordPress, Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento, and using a .htaccess file. We’ll also examine common scenarios where using a 301 redirect can help keep your site running smoothly and maintain consistent traffic.
What Is a 301 Redirect?
A 301 redirect permanently sends users and search engines from one URL to another. If a page is moved or deleted, it redirects visitors to the new page and informs search engines to transfer the old page’s SEO value to the new one.
You might use a 301 redirect when:
- You change a page URL
- You delete a page
- You move to a new domain
- You update content and change the link
Do 301 Redirects Affect SEO?
In the past, using a 301 redirect could slightly hurt a page’s SEO. However, since 2016, Google has stated that, when implemented correctly, 301 redirects should not impact a site’s ranking and SEO value. However, if they’re not managed well, they can still cause problems. Avoid using too many redirects in a row or sending users in a redirect loop. Always keep redirects simple by sending visitors straight from the old page to the new one.
How to do a 301 redirect on different platforms
WordPress
The easiest way to set up a 301 redirect in WordPress is by using a plugin. Popular options include Yoast SEO, Redirection, Rank Math, and All-in-One SEO.
After installing and activating the plugin, navigate to its settings. Add the old and new URLs, select “301 – Permanent” as the type, save the change, and test to ensure it works.
Shopify
To set up a 301 redirect in Shopify:
- Go to your Shopify admin dashboard.
- Click “Online Store,” then “Navigation.”
- Choose “RL Redirects” a” and click “Create URL Redirect.”
- Type the old and new page paths (like /old-page and /new-page).
- Save it, then test the old link to ensure it redirects to the new page.
BigCommerce
To create a 301 redirect in BigCommerce:
- Log in to your admin panel.
- Go to Settings and find 301 Redirects under the Domain section.
- Enter the old and new URLs.
- Choose the redirect type (Manual or Dynamic).
- Click ‘Create and Test’ to ensure it works properly.
Magento
To create a 301 redirect in Magento:
- Go to the Marketing section in your admin dashboard.
- Select URL Rewrites.
- Click Add URL Rewrite.
- Enter the old and new URLs.
- Set the type to Permanent (301) and save the changes.
.htaccess File
If you don’t use a content management system (CMS), you can create 301 redirects using your site’s .htaccess file.
- Back up the file first.
- Open it using a text editor.
- Add this line:
- Redirect 301 /old-page /new-page
- Replace “/old-page” and “/new page” with your actual URLs.
- Save and upload the file back to your server.
- Test the site in a browser to ensure it works correctly.
When Should You Use a 301 Redirect?
There are several situations where using a 301 is helpful:
1. When You Change Your Domain
If you move your website to a new domain, 301 redirects send users and search engines to the new one.
2. When You Merge Websites
If you merge several websites into one, use 301 redirects to send visitors from the old sites to the new ones. This maintains your SEO strength and prevents broken links.
3. When URLs Change
If you change your blog or product URLs, use redirects to ensure that old links continue to work.
4. When You Delete a Page
If a page is removed, redirect it to a similar or updated page. This avoids 404 errors and keeps users on your site.
5. When You Move from HTTP to HTTPS
Switching to HTTPS makes your site safer. Use 301 redirects to send visitors from old HTTP pages to the secure HTTPS ones.
6. To Fix Duplicate Content
If you have pages with similar content, use 301 redirects to direct traffic to the primary page. This helps your SEO and keeps things clear for visitors.
7. When Updating or Refreshing Content
If you update a page and change its URL, use a 301 redirect to send visitors from the old link to the new one. This keeps your traffic and backlinks.
301 redirects help guide users to the right pages and protect your SEO. Use them when you delete pages, change URLs, or switch domains. Keep your redirects simple, test them regularly, and check for broken or outdated links to keep your website running smoothly.
