How to Add 301 Redirects to WordPress via htaccess

A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that informs search engines and users that a page has been moved to a new URL. It is essential for maintaining SEO rankings, avoiding broken links, and providing a seamless user experience.

This guide explains how to add 301 redirects to your WordPress site using the .htaccess file.

What Is a 301 Redirect?

Definition

A 301 redirect is an HTTP status code that signals the permanent relocation of a URL to a new address. It passes most of the link equity (SEO value) from the old URL to the new one.

Common Use Cases

1. Rebranding: Changing your domain name.
2. URL Structure Changes: Updating permalink formats.
3. Content Consolidation: Redirecting outdated posts to updated versions.
4. Fixing Broken Links: Redirecting deleted pages to relevant alternatives.

Why Use the .htaccess File for Redirects?

The .htaccess file is a configuration file used by Apache servers to manage server-level directives. It allows you to:

• Handle redirects efficiently.
• Apply rules globally without using plugins.
• Improve performance by minimizing WordPress-level handling.

Step 1: Access the .htaccess File

Methods to Access .htaccess

1. Using cPanel File Manager:
   • Log in to your hosting account.
   • Navigate to File Manager and open the public_html directory.
   • Locate the .htaccess file.
2. Using FTP/SFTP:
   • Connect to your server using an FTP client like FileZilla.
   • Navigate to the root folder of your WordPress installation.
   • Look for the .htaccess file.

Important Note

If you don’t see the .htaccess file:

• Ensure that your file manager or FTP client is set to display hidden files.
• If the file doesn’t exist, create a new .htaccess file and upload it to the root directory.

Step 2: Backup the .htaccess File

Before making any changes, it’s crucial to back up the existing .htaccess file to avoid breaking your site.

How to Backup

1. Download a copy of the .htaccess file to your local computer.
2. Use a text editor like Notepad or Visual Studio Code to make changes.
3. Keep the original file intact in case you need to revert.

Step 3: Add 301 Redirects to .htaccess

Basic Syntax for Redirects

To redirect a single URL:

Redirect 301 /old-page /new-page

• Replace /old-page with the old URL path (relative to your domain).
• Replace /new-page with the new URL path (relative to your domain).

Example

To redirect example.com/old-page to example.com/new-page:

Redirect 301 /old-page /new-page

To redirect example.com/old-post to https://anotherdomain.com/new-post:

Redirect 301 /old-post https://anotherdomain.com/new-post

Redirect Entire Directories

If you want to redirect an entire directory:

Redirect 301 /old-directory/ /new-directory/

Step 4: Use Rewrite Rules for Complex Redirects

For more advanced redirection needs, use mod_rewrite rules.

Syntax

RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^old-page$ /new-page [R=301,L]

• RewriteEngine On: Enables the mod_rewrite module.
• R=301: Specifies a permanent redirect.
• L: Indicates the last rule to be processed.

Example

To redirect a specific URL:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^old-article$ /new-article [R=301,L]

To redirect all URLs starting with /blog/ to /news/:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^blog/(.*)$ /news/$1 [R=301,L]

Step 5: Test Your Redirects

After updating the .htaccess file, test the redirects to ensure they work correctly.

Tools for Testing

1. Browser Testing:
   • Visit the old URL to verify the redirection.
2. Redirect Checker:
   • Use online tools like Redirect Checker to confirm the redirect status.
3. SEO Tools:
   • Use tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to audit site redirects.

Best Practices for Using .htaccess Redirects

1. Minimize Redirect Chains:
   • Avoid multiple redirects in sequence to maintain performance.
2. Prioritize SEO:
   • Redirect old URLs to the most relevant new content to preserve link equity.
3. Monitor Changes:
   • Regularly check for broken links and update redirects as needed.
4. Avoid Syntax Errors:
   • Ensure proper formatting to prevent breaking your site.

Conclusion

Adding 301 redirects to your WordPress site using the .htaccess file is an effective way to manage URL changes and maintain SEO rankings. By following this guide, you can set up redirects confidently and ensure a smooth experience for both users and search engines.

Start optimizing your WordPress site’s redirects today to safeguard your traffic and rankings.