If you delete or change a page you need to create a 301 permanent redirect to manage your website’s URLs. A 301 redirect ensures that when a user tries to access a certain URL, they are automatically directed to a different URL instead.
When would you use a 301 redirect?
One example is when you have multiple URLs that lead to the same content. This can happen if you have different versions of your website (www vs non-www), or if you have multiple pages with similar content. A 301 redirect will help consolidate all these URLs into one, ensuring that your website’s authority and ranking are not diluted.
Another scenario where a 301 redirect is useful is when you have changed the URL structure of your website. For example, if you have renamed a page or moved it to a different location on your website, a 301 redirect will ensure that visitors who try to access the old URL are redirected to the new one. This is important for maintaining a good user experience and avoiding broken links.
Additionally, a 301 redirect is crucial for maintaining your website’s SEO. When a search engine like Google finds a 301 redirect, it will pass on the ranking signals from the old URL to the new one. This means that your website’s SEO efforts on the old URL will not go to waste. It also prevents search engines from indexing duplicate content, which can harm your website’s ranking. To set up a 301 redirect, you can use a plugin if you have a WordPress website, or add it manually through your website’s server. It’s important to ensure that the redirect is correctly implemented and that there are no errors, which could result in broken links or loss of SEO value. You can also regularly monitor your website’s redirects to ensure they are still relevant and make any necessary updates.