In this video tutorial, I will show you how to install a 301 redirect plugin, how to fix 404 errors and why it is important to set up 301 redirects when you remove a page from your WordPress website.
301 Redirect Tutorial for WordPress
If you are getting 404 errors on your website, this may be related to a page being deleted.
When you delete a page on WordPress it is important that you set up a 301 redirect.
This will tell search engines to redirect traffic from a deleted page to another specific page.
This will ensure website visitors have a better experience.
301 Redirect in WordPress
Steps for WordPress 301 Redirect Tutorial
Step 1 – Install 301 Redirect Plugin
- Login into the WordPress Dashboard.
- Select Plugins from the left-side navigation.
- Select the “Add New” button.
- Search for “301 Redirect”.
- Install the 301 Redirects – Easy Redirect Manager Plugin
Step 2 – Setup 301 Redirect Plugin
- Go to the 301 Redirect Plugin Settings
- Enter the Redirect From URL
- Enter the Redirect To URL
- Select the Save button
Step 2 – Test 301 Redirect
- Open your web browser
- Enter the Redirect From URL into the address bar
- Check the “From URL” redirect to the “To URL” entered in the previous step
WordPress 301 Redirects FAQs
Why set up 301 redirects?
When you remove a page or blog post from your business website, it is important that search engines know where to redirect the website visitor.
If you do not set up a 301 redirect then your website will show a 404 error page not found.
Setting up 301 redirects is super simple using a WordPress 301 redirect plugin.
Do I need to purchase a plugin?
You only need to buy a pro version of a 301 redirect plugin if you are planning on setting up many 301 redirects.
You can use the free version of 301 Redirects – Easy Redirect Manager if you only need to set up 1 – 100 redirects.
How do I fix a 404 error?
In most cases, a 404 error (Page not found) will show if you have deleted or disabled a previously published page.
Before you delete or disable a page, you should set up a 301 redirect to void a 404 error.
If you are still seeing a 404 error:
- Try to clear the cache if you have a caching plugin installed.
- Contact your website developers to investigate the error further.
- Speak to your hosting company and check if there is a server-related problem.
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Article by Pankaj Shah: DCP Web Design London
