301 redirects
A 301 redirect automatically sends anyone who visits an old address, people and Google alike, to a new one. 301 means the move is permanent.
Why it matters
Section titled “Why it matters”When you change a page’s address, delete a page or move to a new domain, the old address still has links and search ranking attached to it. A 301 redirect passes visitors and that ranking to the new page instead of showing a 404 error.
When to use one
Section titled “When to use one”- You changed a page’s address
- You merged two pages into one
- You deleted a page and there’s a close replacement
- You moved to a new domain or from
httptohttps
Use a 302 (temporary) redirect only if the old page is coming back soon. Point each old page to its closest new match, not everything to the home page.
Where to set it up
Section titled “Where to set it up”| Platform | Where |
|---|---|
| WordPress | Use the Redirections module in Rank Math, the redirect manager in Yoast SEO Premium, or the free Redirection plugin. |
| Shopify | Shopify offers to create a redirect when you change a URL handle. For others, search URL redirects in your Shopify admin. |
| Wix | Use the URL Redirect Manager in your SEO settings. |
| Squarespace | Use URL Mappings in your settings (search “URL mappings”). |
| Custom-built site | Ask your developer to set up server-side 301 redirects. |
Check it worked
Section titled “Check it worked”Type the old address into your browser. It should land on the new page straight away. In Search Console, the URL Inspection tool shows the old address as Page with redirect.
Google’s guide
Section titled “Google’s guide”Redirects and Google Search (Google Search Central)