How to Redirect a Page or URL in WordPress

How to Redirect a Page or URL in WordPress: A Comprehensive Guide

Redirecting pages or URLs is a common task in website management, especially when you’re restructuring your site, moving content, or fixing broken links. In WordPress, there are several methods to implement redirects, each suited to different scenarios. This guide will walk you through the process of redirecting pages or URLs in WordPress, covering various techniques from simple plugin solutions to more advanced manual methods.

Why You Might Need to Redirect a Page or URL

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s consider some common reasons for implementing redirects:

1. You’ve changed your URL structure
2. You’re moving content to a new location
3. You’ve deleted a page and want to send visitors to a relevant alternative
4. You’re merging multiple pages into one
5. You’re switching from HTTP to HTTPS
6. You’re creating a shorter, more memorable URL for marketing purposes

Now, let’s explore the different methods to implement redirects in WordPress.

Method 1: Using a Redirect Plugin

For beginners or those who prefer a user-friendly interface, using a redirect plugin is the easiest option.

Step 1: Choose and Install a Redirect Plugin

Popular options include:

• Redirection
• Simple 301 Redirects
• Safe Redirect Manager

To install:

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard
2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New
3. Search for your chosen plugin
4. Click “Install Now” and then “Activate”

Step 2: Set Up the Redirect

Using Redirection as an example:

1. Go to Tools > Redirection in your WordPress dashboard
2. In the “Add new redirection” section, enter the following:

• Source URL: The old URL you want to redirect from
• Target URL: The new URL you want to redirect to

1. Choose the redirect type (usually 301 for permanent redirects)
2. Click “Add Redirect”

Pros of using a plugin:

• User-friendly interface
• No need to edit files or code
• Often includes additional features like 404 error tracking

Cons:

• Can slow down your site if you have many redirects
• Relies on a third-party plugin

Method 2: Using .htaccess (for Apache Servers)

For more advanced users or those wanting a faster solution, editing the .htaccess file is an option.

Step 1: Access Your .htaccess File

1. Connect to your website via FTP or use your hosting file manager
2. Navigate to your WordPress root directory (usually public_html)
3. Locate the .htaccess file
4. Download a backup of the file before making any changes

Step 2: Add Redirect Rules

Open the .htaccess file in a text editor and add your redirect rules. Here are some examples:

For a single page redirect:

Redirect 301 /old-page/ https://www.yoursite.com/new-page/

For redirecting an entire directory:

RedirectMatch 301 ^/old-directory/(.*)$ https://www.yoursite.com/new-directory/$1

For a domain-wide redirect (e.g., from non-www to www):

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^yoursite.com [NC]
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://www.yoursite.com/$1 [L,R=301]

Step 3: Save and Upload

Save your changes and upload the modified .htaccess file back to your server.

Pros of using .htaccess:

• Faster performance compared to plugins
• More control over complex redirect rules

Cons:

• Requires basic knowledge of redirect syntax
• Potential for errors that could break your site

Method 3: Using WordPress’s functions.php File

For theme-specific redirects or if you prefer working with PHP, you can use the functions.php file.

Step 1: Access Your functions.php File

1. Go to Appearance > Theme Editor in your WordPress dashboard
2. Select your current theme
3. Click on the functions.php file in the right sidebar

Step 2: Add Redirect Code

Add the following code to your functions.php file:

function custom_redirect() {
    if ($_SERVER['REQUEST_URI'] == '/old-page/') {
        wp_redirect('https://www.yoursite.com/new-page/', 301);
        exit;
    }
}
add_action('template_redirect', 'custom_redirect');

Modify the ‘/old-page/’ and ‘https://www.yoursite.com/new-page/’ to match your specific redirect needs.

Step 3: Save Changes

Click “Update File” to save your changes.

Pros of using functions.php:

• No need for additional plugins
• Can be more flexible for complex redirect logic

Cons:

• Requires basic PHP knowledge
• Changes are lost if you switch themes

Method 4: Using WordPress Multisite Domain Mapping

If you’re running a WordPress Multisite network and need to redirect entire sites, you can use domain mapping.

Step 1: Install and Activate a Domain Mapping Plugin

Popular options include:

• WordPress MU Domain Mapping
• Domainmap

Step 2: Configure Domain Mapping

1. Go to Network Admin > Settings > Domain Mapping
2. Enter the old domain and map it to the new domain
3. Save your changes

This method will redirect all traffic from the old domain to the new domain within your Multisite network.

Best Practices for Implementing Redirects

Regardless of the method you choose, keep these best practices in mind:

1. Use 301 redirects for permanent changes: This tells search engines that the move is permanent and to transfer SEO value.
2. Avoid redirect chains: Don’t redirect A to B, then B to C. Instead, redirect A directly to C.
3. Update internal links: After setting up redirects, update any internal links to point directly to the new URLs.
4. Monitor your redirects: Regularly check that your redirects are working as intended.
5. Keep a record of your redirects: Maintain a spreadsheet or document listing all your redirects for future reference.
6. Use relative URLs when possible: This makes it easier if you need to move your site to a new domain in the future.
7. Test thoroughly: After implementing redirects, test them from various devices and browsers to ensure they’re working correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Redirect Issues

If you encounter problems with your redirects, consider these troubleshooting steps:

1. Clear your browser cache: Sometimes, old cached versions can interfere with seeing new redirects.
2. Check for plugin conflicts: Disable other plugins temporarily to see if they’re interfering with your redirects.
3. Verify server configuration: Ensure your server supports the type of redirects you’re trying to implement.
4. Look for syntax errors: Double-check your redirect rules for any typos or syntax mistakes.
5. Use online redirect checkers: Tools like redirect-checker.org can help diagnose issues.

Conclusion

Redirecting pages or URLs in WordPress is an essential skill for maintaining a healthy, user-friendly website. Whether you choose to use a plugin for simplicity, edit .htaccess for performance, use functions.php for theme-specific redirects, or implement domain mapping for Multisite networks, the key is to choose the method that best fits your needs and technical comfort level.

Remember to follow best practices, test thoroughly, and keep your redirects organized. By mastering the art of redirects, you’ll ensure a smooth user experience, maintain your SEO value, and keep your WordPress site running efficiently as it evolves over time.