Redirect protocols help in moving web pages seamlessly to new URLs or domain names, without effecting the page rankings and SEO value. For the right implementation, you must pay attention to specific details. Only then you will be able to retain and maintain good rankings with Google and other search engines, and it also helps you from losing page traffic.
What are redirects?
Redirects are highly important for performing SEO on websites that require changes and updates. They work as an automatic transfer of visitors to a specific URL, as chosen by the website owner.
If your website implements redirect feature, then it works in this way –
The user types the address of your website on the browser, and he is redirected to a different website. In other words, he will be forwarded to any other URL as decided by the website owner.
WP 301 Redirects is a top redirect WordPress plugin that is designed to perform all types of redirect activities in a breeze. It also helps in monitoring the existing redirects and correcting redirections errors. By using this plugin, a website can wisely redirect traffic from “404 error pages” to more relevant web pages. It helps websites immediately recover any lost traffic.
Reasons why you would need a website redirect
So, here are a few reasons why your website will need these redirects:
- If the URL of your website has changed to any other domain name, then you need to forward all your website visitors to the new one
- If any maintenance work is to be done on the website. This situation makes it essential to have a temporary redirect feature.
- Smartphones, tablets, and iPhone requests are to be forwarded to specialized mobile dedicated websites.
- If the file structure of a website gets changed.
Different types of redirects
There are basically two forms of redirects.
HTTP class “300-status” codes are beneficial for HTTP redirects. The client is instantly redirected before any specific webpage is delivered.
Client-sided redirects are performed with JavaScript or PHP. The requested webpage that contains the “forwarding code” is evoked. Once the server reads this code, it redirects the control to the new URL.
Server-sided redirects are made for the permanent movement of the website. It responds with a “301-status code” response that states “Moved permanently.” When a website doesn’t implement a 301-redirect, then the visitor sees an unpleasant 404-error message that states that “This page doesn’t exist.” It will show up when the page has already been moved but without using a redirect.
The HTTP 302-status code is made for use by those websites that needs temporary redirects. It responds with a message that states “Moved temporarily.” The temporary forwarding has no impact on a Google ranking.
Conclusion
A redirect is a relevant means for businesses that need their visitors to be redirected to any other web address. Whatever be the reason behind it, the website redirect is a good way to save visitor’s disappointment from seeing a blank webpage.
WordPress reset plugin is another important tool that will come handy if you want reset your WordPress installation. It is helpful if your old redirects and broken links are causing more harm than good to the rankings of your web pages.
