Redirects are an important aspect of website management, and they play a big role in the lives of site owners, developers, and SEOs. However, there are often questions and concerns about redirects and their impact on SEO.
In this article, I will answer six of the most common questions I got over the years about redirects for SEO.
So, let’s delve into the world of redirects and discover how they can benefit your website.
No, redirects are not inherently bad for SEO. However, it is essential to implement them correctly to avoid potential issues. Improper implementation can lead to problems such as losing PageRank and traffic. Redirecting pages is necessary when making URL changes, as you want to preserve the hard work invested in building an audience and acquiring backlinks.
To ensure that redirects are implemented correctly and effectively, consider the following best practices:
Use the appropriate redirect type: The most commonly used redirect for permanent URL changes is the 301 redirect. This informs search engines that the original URL has permanently moved to a new location. By using a 301 redirect, you can maintain the ranking and relevance of the old URL and seamlessly redirect users and search engine crawlers to the new URL.
Update internal links: When you implement redirects, updating any internal links on your website that refer to the old URLs is important. This ensures visitors can navigate to the correct pages, and search engines can properly index the new URLs.
Preserve user experience: Redirects should aim to provide a smooth user experience. Avoid excessive redirect chains, which can slow page load times and frustrate users. It’s also important to redirect users to relevant content that aligns with their intent. For example, if a page has been permanently removed, redirect users to a relevant alternative rather than a generic homepage.
Monitor and test redirects: Regularly monitor your redirects. Check for errors or issues, such as broken redirects or redirect loops. It’s also helpful to periodically test the redirects to ensure they function as expected.
Redirecting a URL is essential when you make changes to your website. Whether you delete a page, change your URL structure, or move your site to a new domain, redirecting the old URL to a new relevant URL is crucial to ensure a smooth user experience.
For small changes, such as deleting an outdated article, you can redirect the old URL with a 301 to a relevant new article or give it a 410 to indicate that you deleted it. By redirecting the URLs, you minimize the annoyance of visitors landing on 404 pages.
Bigger projects, such as moving to a new domain or changing URL paths, require a comprehensive URL migration strategy. In these cases, you should map all your site’s URLs to their future locations on the new domain. After determining the new URLs, you can start redirecting the old URLs. Notify Google of the changes using the change of address tool in Google Search Console.
A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that informs visitors and search engine crawlers that the requested URL has moved to a new destination permanently. It is the most commonly used redirect for permanent URL changes. With a 301 redirect, the old URL should not be used again in the future, as it signifies a permanent change.
On the other hand, a 302 redirect is a temporary redirect. It is used to indicate that the requested content is temporarily unavailable at a specific address but will return at a later time. Unlike a 301 redirect, a 302 redirect suggests that the change is temporary, and the original URL may be used again.
When deciding which redirect to use, consider the nature of the URL change. If the change is permanent and you have no intention of using the original URL again, a 301 redirect is appropriate. However, if the change is temporary and you plan on returning to the original URL, a 302 redirect should be used.
Carefully consider the purpose and longevity of the URL change when selecting the appropriate redirect. If you are unsure about which redirect to use, consult helpful resources or seek expert advice.
The redirect manager in the Yoast SEO Premium WordPress plugin is a highly recommended tool for managing redirects in WordPress. This tool is designed to make the process of adding and managing redirects as easy as possible.
The redirect manager allows you to set up and manage redirects on your WordPress site effortlessly. When you delete a post, you can choose to redirect it to another URL or serve a 410 content deleted header. If you select the redirect option, you can specify the new URL for the post.
With the Yoast SEO Premium plugin’s redirect manager, you can keep your site fresh and healthy by efficiently managing redirects. This tool eliminates the complexity often associated with redirects and ensures that your website visitors and search engine crawlers are directed to the correct pages.
A redirect checker is a tool that helps determine if a URL is redirected and analyzes the path it follows. This information is valuable for identifying potential issues, such as redirect chains that can hinder Google’s ability to crawl your site and provide a subpar user experience.
There are various redirect checkers available, including SEO tools like Sitebulb, SEMRush, and Screaming Frog. These platforms can test your redirects and links to identify any bottlenecks or problems. For a quick check, simpler tools like httpstatus.io can provide insights into the life of a URL on your site.
Regularly checking your redirects is essential to ensure they are functioning correctly and not causing any issues on your website.
Yes, every site should use the HTTPS protocol, and it is crucial to redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS. Google also prefers HTTPS sites due to their increased security and has stated that it is a ranking factor. So, making the switch to HTTPS is not only a good security practice but also beneficial for your SEO.
Here’s how you can easily set up a redirect from HTTP to HTTPS:
By implementing these steps, you not only ensure the security of your website but also improve your SEO standing, as Google prefers secure, HTTPS websites. Plus, it provides a better experience for your visitors by encrypting their data and instilling trust in your site.
In conclusion, redirects are an essential tool in website management, and when used correctly, they can have a positive impact on SEO. Whether you’re redirecting URLs, switching to HTTPS, or managing other aspects of your website, following best practices will help you maintain your site’s visibility and improve user experience. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.
