URL redirects help manage website traffic by directing visitors from inactive pages to active ones. There are two main types: permanent (301) and temporary (302) redirects.

301 Redirects

301 redirects are permanent and transfer search engine rankings from old URLs to new ones. Use them when:

• Changing page URLs
• Removing pages
• Importing content with different URLs
• Redirecting to another domain

302 Redirects

302 redirects are temporary and maintain search rankings for the original page. Use them for:

• Temporary page updates
• Seasonal content changes
• Rotating between different pages

Creating Redirects

1. Access Development Tools panel
2. Click URL Mappings
3. Add redirects using proper format
4. Click Save

Basic Redirect Format:

/old-url -> /new-url 301

For multiple blog posts or products:

/old-blog/[name] -> /new-blog/[name] 301

Important Considerations:

• 400 KB limit (approximately 2500 redirect lines)
• Higher redirects take priority
• Redirects only work for deleted or disabled pages
• Maintain URL case sensitivity
• Avoid using ?, &, or # symbols
• Cannot redirect image or file URLs

Common Scenarios:

1. Changed Page URLs:

/about -> /team 301

2. Deleted Pages:

/history -> / 301

3. Seasonal Content:

/summer-sale -> /fall-sale 302

4. External Domains:

/fundraising -> https://external-site.com 301

Troubleshooting:

• Verify destination pages are active
• Check redirect formatting
• Ensure proper redirect type (301 or 302)
• Monitor for redirect loops
• Confirm URL case matching

By following these guidelines, you can maintain seamless navigation and preserve SEO value while managing website changes.

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