301 redirects
301 redirects are an essential part of any website's SEO strategy. They are a method of redirecting one web page to another, permanently. This type of redirect is used primarily to inform search engines that a page or URL has permanently moved to a new location, ensuring that website visitors are automatically redirected to the new URL.
What is 301 redirects?
In technical terms, a 301 redirect is a server-side HTTP status code that signals to web browsers and search engines that the requested URL has permanently moved to a new location. The number "301" refers to the HTTP status code, which stands for "Moved Permanently." This redirect sends both users and search engine spiders to the new URL without any manual intervention.
How to Implement 301 Redirects
Implementing 301 redirects on your website involves a few steps. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you implement them effectively:
1. Identify the pages to redirect: Start by identifying the pages on your website that need to be redirected. This could include pages that have been renamed, removed, or have a new URL. It's important to keep track of all the pages you want to redirect.
2. Set up redirection rules: Next, you need to set up the necessary redirect rules. This can be done by adding the redirect code to your website's .htaccess file (if using Apache web server) or by using server-side scripting languages like PHP.
3. Use the correct redirect method: When implementing a 301 redirect, ensure that you are using the correct redirect method. Some common methods include using the "Redirect" directive in Apache's .htaccess file, using server-side scripting languages to send the 301 header code, or using web server configurations like Nginx.
4. Update internal links: After setting up the redirection rules, update any internal links that point to the old URLs. This will ensure that users are automatically redirected to the new URLs when they click on internal links within your website.
5. Update external backlinks: If you have external backlinks pointing to the old URLs, it's important to reach out to the website owners and request them to update the backlinks to the new URLs. This step helps to maintain the SEO value of your website and ensures that visitors from external sources are redirected to the correct pages.
6. Test the redirects: Once you have implemented the 301 redirects, thoroughly test them to ensure that they are working correctly. Manually visit the old URLs, and check if they redirect to the new URLs as intended. Additionally, use online tools to check for any potential redirect loops or errors.
7. Monitor performance: After implementing the redirects, monitor your website's performance using tools like Google Analytics. Keep an eye on the organic traffic, rankings, and any potential issues that might arise. This will help you identify any problems with the redirects and make necessary adjustments.
Remember, 301 redirects are crucial for maintaining your website's SEO performance. By implementing them correctly, you ensure that search engines recognize the permanent move of your pages, and users are seamlessly redirected to the new URLs. This not only helps in preserving your search rankings but also improves the overall user experience on your website.
Paying attention to SEO while redesigning has to be considered as that is the part of your website that is the most fragile to sudden changes.
It is quite understandable why most developers are careful when opting for this move.
Mistakes will happen, iterations will come and the hierarchy of work will collapse given enough time.
This is the most relevant point in regards to maintaining and improving upon the existing SEO ranking.
Mapping out the layout along with realizing what the bread-makers are when it comes to visitor interaction is vital when considering redesigning.
This is mostly due to the URL not being updated via 301 redirects within the search engine.
Do you want to migrate your store to new address?
You have to edit the core files of htaccess.
In the other case, you can use PrestaShop too many redirects module that provides an easy interface to the merchants to set the redirections.
Following top features are available with this plugin;Set temporary and permeant redirectsShift to new domain with successful redirectionCSV bulk redirectsChange the server without loss of URLs 404sPrice: 30Euro
