How to Implement 301 Redirect in WordPress?

Last Updated on Dec 13, 2023 by Nurul Afsar

What is a 301 Redirect?

A 301 redirect is a type of HTTP status code that indicates that a web page has been permanently moved to a new URL. This is the recommended method for redirecting one URL to another, as it passes along almost all of the link equity from the old URL to the new URL. This helps to maintain the search engine rankings of the old page and ensures that users who bookmark the old URL or follow links to the old URL will be redirected to the correct page.

The 301 redirect is implemented by adding a line of code to the server configuration file or by using a plugin in the case of a content management system like WordPress. When a user requests the old URL, the server returns a 301 status code, which tells the browser or search engine to use the new URL instead.

The use of 301 redirects is important for both SEO and user experience. It helps to prevent broken links, ensures that users always land on the correct page, and ensures that any link equity and authority that the old page has built up is passed along to the new page.

Why use a 301 redirect? 

A 301 redirect is a type of HTTP status code that indicates that a web page has been permanently moved to a new URL. This is the recommended method for redirecting one URL to another, as it passes along almost all of the link equity from the old URL to the new URL. This helps to maintain the search engine rankings of the old page and ensures that users who bookmark the old URL or follow links to the old URL will be redirected to the correct page.

The 301 redirect is implemented by adding a line of code to the server configuration file or by using a plugin in the case of a content management system like WordPress. When a user requests the old URL, the server returns a 301 status code, which tells the browser or search engine to use the new URL instead.

The use of 301 redirects is important for both SEO and user experience. It helps to prevent broken links, ensures that users always land on the correct page, and ensures that any link equity and authority that the old page has built up is passed along to the new page.

301 redirects vs. 302 redirects: what are the differences?

The main difference between a 301 and 302 redirect is the way that search engines and browsers treat the redirect.

A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect, which means that the old URL has been permanently moved to a new URL. Search engines will update their index to reflect the change, and any link equity or authority that the old URL has built up will be passed along to the new URL.

A 302 redirect, on the other hand, is a temporary redirect. This means that the old URL has been temporarily moved to a new URL. Search engines will not update their index to reflect the change, and any link equity or authority that the old URL has built up will not be passed along to the new URL.

When choosing between a 301 and 302 redirect, you should use a 301 redirect for permanent changes and a 302 redirect for temporary changes. Using the correct type of redirect is important for both SEO and user experience, as it ensures that users and search engines are directed to the correct page and that any link equity and authority is preserved.

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How to set up 301 redirect using the redirection plugin on WordPress?

To set up a 301 redirect using the Redirection plugin on WordPress, follow these steps:

1. Install and activate the Redirection plugin.
2. Go to Tools > Redirection in your WordPress dashboard.
3. In the Redirection section, click on Add New.
4. In the Source URL field, enter the old URL that you want to redirect.
5. In the Target URL field, enter the new URL that you want to redirect to.
6. In the Match section, select the type of redirect you want to use, such as URL only or URL and referrer.
7. In the Action section, select Redirection type, and select 301 (permanent) redirect.
8. Click on Add Redirect to save the redirect.

The Redirection plugin will now redirect any requests for the old URL to the new URL using a 301 redirect. You can view the status of your redirects and make changes if necessary by going to Tools > Redirection in your WordPress dashboard.

What are the top plugins to make 301 redirects on WordPress?

Here are some of the top plugins for creating redirects on WordPress:

1. Redirection: This is a popular and widely used plugin for creating and managing redirects on WordPress. It’s easy to use and offers a range of options for redirecting URLs, including 301, 302, and 307 redirects.
2. Simple 301 Redirects: This plugin is a lightweight option that is easy to use and offers straightforward redirect management. It’s especially useful if you only need to set up a few redirects.
3. Yoast SEO: This is a comprehensive SEO plugin that also offers the option to set up redirects. While it’s not as feature-rich as dedicated redirect plugins, it’s a convenient option for those who are already using Yoast SEO for their WordPress site’s SEO.
4. Jetpack: This is a popular plugin that offers a range of features for WordPress sites, including the option to set up redirects. The redirect functionality is straightforward and easy to use, and Jetpack also offers a range of other features that can be useful for site owners.
5. Safe Redirect Manager: This plugin is a straightforward option for managing redirects on WordPress. It offers a range of options for redirecting URLs, including the ability to set up wildcard redirects, and it’s easy to use.

These plugins are just a few examples of the options available for creating redirects on WordPress. When choosing a plugin, consider your specific needs and requirements, and select the plugin that best meets those needs.

How To Make Redirects Using Cloudflare?

To make a 301 redirect using Cloudflare, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Cloudflare account.
2. Go to the Rules section of your Cloudflare dashboard.
3. Click the “Create a Rule” button.
4. In the “If the URL matches” section, enter the old URL that you want to redirect.
5. In the “Then the worker” section, select “Forward” as the action.
6. In the “Destination URL” field, enter the new URL that you want to redirect to.
7. In the “Status Code” section, select “301 Moved Permanently”.
8. Click the “Save and Deploy” button to save and activate the redirect.

Cloudflare will now redirect any requests for the old URL to the new URL using a 301 redirect. You can view and manage your redirects in the Rules section of your Cloudflare dashboard. Note that you need to have the Cloudflare Workers feature enabled in your Cloudflare account to create redirects using the Workers feature.

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FAQ

can you make redirects using cloudflare?

Yes, you can make redirects using Cloudflare. Cloudflare provides a feature called Cloudflare Workers that allows you to create and manage redirects using Cloudflare’s edge network. By using Cloudflare Workers, you can set up fast and efficient redirects that are processed at the edge, before the request reaches your origin server. This can help improve the user experience and reduce server load for your site.