Broken links and outdated URLs can harm a website’s flow and leave visitors frustrated. Many webmasters have seen a clear improvement in site performance after sorting out old URLs. With fewer clicks lost to error pages, visitors spend more time on the site, and the overall user experience improves. This approach not only fixes problems but also supports long-term growth.
This article explains how to redirect URLs in WordPress with clear, simple steps. The guide covers practical methods that fix broken links and help maintain the site’s integrity.
What Is a URL Redirect in WordPress?
A URL redirect in WordPress sends visitors from one page to another automatically. When a user clicks a link that points to a page that no longer exists, a redirect steps in. The browser is told to go to a new address instead. This happens quickly and without extra effort from the visitor. This tool is a lifesaver for keeping your website running smoothly. It also helps protect your SEO rankings by passing link power from old pages to new ones.
Types of Redirects:
- Permanent Redirects (301):
- Tell browsers and search engines that a page has permanently moved.
- They pass most of the SEO value from the old URL to the new one.
- Temporary Redirects (302):
- Used when content is being tested or updated.
- They signal that the change is not permanent.
- Other Redirects (307, 308):
- These work similarly to 302 and 301, but are used in special cases.
How to Redirect URL Pages in WordPress: Getting Started
We’ve broken down the process into bite-sized steps so you can tackle it without the overwhelm.
Let’s jump into the two main ways to set up redirects: doing it manually with .htaccess file and using plugins.
Manual Redirects Using .htaccess file
Manual redirects using .htaccess are a powerful way to take charge of how to redirect URL pages in WordPress. They let you bypass plugins and set up redirects directly by editing a simple text file in your site’s root folder. This method gives complete control over your redirection rules and can be crucial when you want to implement specific changes that plugins might miss.
For those who like a hands-on approach, manual .htaccess edits offer a clear and direct method for how to redirect URL pages in WordPress. This approach requires careful attention, as even a small error in the code can lead to bigger issues. But with a proper backup and step-by-step changes, you can create a seamless experience for your audience. It’s a straightforward, effective way to maintain site performance.
Step 1: Access Your .htaccess File
Use an FTP client like FileZilla or log in to your hosting file manager. Find the .htaccess file in the root folder of your website. This file sits in the same directory as folders like wp-admin and wp-content.
If you have Yoast SEO plugin installed, you can also access the file via Yoast SEO > Tools > File editor option.
Step 2: Backup Your .htaccess File
Before you make any changes, download a copy of the .htaccess file to your computer. This backup lets you restore the file if something goes wrong. For Yoast SEO option, just copy / paste the code into a new file and name it .htaccess. Keep the backup in a safe place until you confirm the redirect works correctly.
Step 3: Add Your Redirect Rules
Open the .htaccess file with a plain text editor like Notepad or TextEdit. Add a new line with the redirect rule. For example:
Redirect 301 /old-page https://yoursite.com/new-pageThis tells the browser to permanently move from the old page to the new page. For each page that needs a redirect, add a new line with its own rule. Keep the code clear and straightforward.
Step 4: Save and Test Your Changes
Save your changes and re-upload the file to the server using your FTP client or file manager. Open a browser and type in the old URL. Check that it takes you to the new page without any errors.
A Real-Life Example
Imagine you run a restaurant website and you decide to update your food menu page to highlight new seasonal dishes.
The old URL, say yourrestaurant.com/menu, no longer fits the updated look. You create a fresh page at yourrestaurant.com/summer-menu.
To keep your loyal customers from landing on a broken link, you use manual redirects via the .htaccess file.
Redirect 301 /menu https://yourrestaurant.com/summer-menuThis simple change automatically sent all visitors from the outdated URL to the new, seasonal menu page.
URL Redirect Using a Plugin
For the second method we’ll be using the Redirection plugin which is a powerful tool for managing URL redirects in WordPress, making it easy to redirect pages without needing to delve into complex coding. This plugin is particularly useful when you need to update your website’s structure or migrate content from one URL to another. For instance, if you’re rebranding or optimizing your site for better SEO, the Redirection plugin helps ensure that visitors and search engines can find your new content seamlessly.
Step 1: Install and Activate the Plugin
Log in to your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to Plugins > Add New. In the search bar, type “Redirection”. Click Install Now next to the plugin. Once installed, click Activate.
Step 2: Set Up the Plugin
After activation, go to Tools > Redirection. The plugin may prompt you to set up monitoring. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup. This setup helps track changes and catch broken links automatically.
Step 3: Create a New Redirect
Click on the Add New button. In the Source URL field, type the old URL path (for example, /old-page). In the Target URL field, type the new full URL (for example, https://www.yoursite.com/new-page).
Use Redirect Type 301 for permanent changes. You can add extra options if needed, like query parameters.
Click the Add Redirect button. The new redirect will appear in the list. Open a new browser tab and enter the old URL. Check that you are redirected to the new URL without errors.
Final Thoughts
Managing URL redirects is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and user-friendly website. Whether you choose to use manual redirects via the .htaccess file or leverage the ease of plugins like the Redirection plugin, both methods provide effective ways to handle outdated URLs and prevent broken links. By implementing these redirects, you not only improve the user experience but also support your site’s SEO by ensuring that link equity is preserved.
