Broken links can ruin your conversion rates and that will harm all your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.
That’s why setting up redirects from old web pages to new ones or from broken pages to something valid until you fix errors is so crucial.
Redirects ensure that visitors and search engines are seamlessly directed to the correct pages, preserving your site’s SEO value and user experience.
Whether you’re migrating to a new domain, restructuring your site’s URL hierarchy, or updating outdated content, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to set up redirects effectively (or direct your digital marketing firm to do it for you).
Identify Old URLs to Redirect
Before setting up redirects, compile a list of old URLs that need redirection. This includes pages that have been moved, deleted, or renamed.
You can use tools like Google Analytics, website crawlers, or your site’s content management system (CMS) to identify these URLs. Ensure that you have a comprehensive list to avoid missing any redirects.
Choose the Right Redirect Type
There are different types of redirects, but the most commonly used ones are 301 redirects (permanent redirects) and 302 redirects (temporary redirects).
For website restructuring or permanent URL changes, use 301 redirects. They signal to search engines that the old URL has permanently moved to a new location.
Temporary changes, such as site maintenance or temporary page moves, can use 302 redirects. Make sure to select the appropriate redirect type for each scenario.
Utilize CMS Redirect Plugins
If you’re using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, there are plugins and modules available to simplify the process of setting up redirects.
Install a redirect plugin/module compatible with your CMS and follow the provided instructions to configure redirects easily through the CMS dashboard. These plugins often offer user-friendly interfaces and additional features such as bulk redirects and monitoring.
Test and Verify Redirects
After setting up redirects, it’s crucial to test and verify that they’re functioning correctly. Use a web browser or online redirect checker tools to visit the old URLs and confirm that they redirect to the new pages as intended.
Check for any errors or misconfigurations and make adjustments as necessary. Additionally, monitor your website’s traffic and search engine rankings to ensure that redirects are not causing any unexpected issues.
Update Internal Links and Sitemaps
Once redirects are in place, update internal links within your website to point to the new URLs. This includes navigation menus, footer links, and embedded links within content.
Additionally, update your website’s XML sitemap to reflect the new URL structure and submit it to search engines for indexing. Updating internal links and sitemaps ensures a seamless user experience and helps search engines discover and index your new pages efficiently.
Redirects Are an Important Step in Search Engine Optimization
If you aren’t sure about how to set up redirects on your website, you shouldn’t just ignore this crucial search engine optimization aspect of your online presence.
Bloom Marketing is a digital marketing firm that can help you with all your SEO, SEM, social media, and digital marketing needs. We serve customers in Canada and worldwide. Please contact our digital media agency to set up a consultation or to learn more about how we can transform your online reputation.
