How to Set Up 301 Redirects

Setting up 301 redirects in WordPress is essential when you want to permanently redirect one URL to another. This is useful for various reasons, such as when you've changed a page's URL or when you've migrated your website to a new domain. Here's how you can do it:

Method 1: Using a Plugin (Recommended for Beginners)

1. Install and Activate a Redirect Plugin:
   • In your WordPress dashboard, go to "Plugins" > "Add New."
   • Search for a redirection plugin like "Redirection" or "Yoast SEO" (which also has redirection functionality).
   • Install and activate the plugin.
2. Set Up a New Redirect:
   • After activating the plugin, go to the plugin's settings page (this will usually be listed in the left-hand menu, e.g., "Redirection" or "SEO" > "Redirects").
   • Look for an option to create a new redirect.
3. Enter Source and Target URLs:
   • In the plugin settings, you will typically find fields to enter the source URL (the old URL) and the target URL (the new URL).
4. Choose the Type of Redirect:
   • Select "301 Moved Permanently." This indicates that this is a permanent redirect.
5. Save or Publish the Redirect:
   • Once you've entered the source and target URLs, save or publish the redirect.
6. Test the Redirect:
   • Open a web browser and visit the old URL. You should be automatically redirected to the new URL.

Method 2: Editing the .htaccess File (Advanced)

1. Access Your Site's Files:
   • If you're comfortable with editing files and have access to your server, you can manually set up redirects using the .htaccess file.
   • Connect to your server via FTP or use the file manager provided by your hosting provider.
2. Locate and Edit the .htaccess File:
   • The .htaccess file is usually located in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
   • Make a backup of the .htaccess file before making any changes.
3. Add 301 Redirects:
   • To set up a redirect, add the following line to your .htaccess file:

   bash
   

1. Redirect 301 /old-url/ http://www.example.com/new-url/
   

   • Replace /old-url/ with the old URL path and http://www.example.com/new-url/ with the new URL.
2. Save and Upload the .htaccess File:
   • Save the changes to your .htaccess file and upload it back to the server.
3. Test the Redirect:
   • Open a web browser and visit the old URL. You should be automatically redirected to the new URL.

Important Considerations:

• Always back up your website before making significant changes, especially when editing files like the .htaccess.
• Test your redirects to ensure they're working as expected.
• If possible, use method 1 with a plugin, as it's more user-friendly and less prone to errors.

Remember to update any internal links on your website to point to the new URLs, especially if you've changed the structure of your site. This ensures a smooth user experience and helps with SEO.