Proper redirect for a moved page?

Started by manvbf, 10-10-2011, 03:27:58

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manvbfTopic starter

I am restructuring my website directories, and I am ranked for a couple product pages in google.

Should I just let them drop and re-index, or is there a proper way to redirect, and how long should i re-direct until I delete the page?
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Hogward

#1
When restructuring your website directories, it is generally best to implement proper redirects rather than letting pages drop and re-index. Redirecting ensures that visitors who access the old URLs are automatically directed to the updated URLs, preserving user experience and preventing potential loss of traffic.

To redirect a page, you can use HTTP 301 redirects, which indicate that the old URL has permanently moved to a new location. This approach carries over the search engine rankings and authority from the old URL to the new one.

You should keep the redirects in place for as long as possible, ideally indefinitely. However, if you eventually decide to delete the old page entirely, make sure to remove the redirect only after a significant time has passed, allowing search engines and users enough opportunity to recognize and use the new URL.

managing website redirects during restructuring:

1. Implementing redirects: To redirect a page, you can use server-side redirects like 301 (permanent) or 302 (temporary) redirects. In the case of restructuring, it's best to use 301 redirects as they pass the page authority to the new URL. This helps search engines understand the change and maintain rankings.

2. Updating internal links: After implementing redirects, it's important to update any internal links on your website that may still point to the old URLs. This ensures a seamless user experience and helps search engines discover and index the new URLs.

3. Handling external links: If you have backlinks from other websites pointing to the old URLs, it's beneficial to contact those sites and request them to update the links to the new URLs. This helps ensure that link equity is transferred to the new pages.

4. Monitoring performance: Keep an eye on your website's traffic and rankings after the restructuring. Monitor the indexed URLs in search engines and identify any issues that may arise during the transition. This allows you to address any problems quickly.

5. Create a comprehensive redirect plan: Before making any changes, create a detailed plan outlining which URLs need to be redirected and where they should point. This will help you stay organized and ensure that no important pages are left unredirected.

6. Use a 1:1 redirect approach: Whenever possible, redirect old URLs to new URLs with the most similar content. This helps maintain relevance and can help preserve search engine rankings.

7. Update XML sitemaps: After implementing redirects, update your XML sitemap to include the new URLs. This helps search engines quickly discover and index the updated pages.

8. Monitor crawl errors: Keep an eye on your website's crawl errors and fix any issues promptly. Tools like Google Search Console can provide valuable insights into any redirection errors or problems that need attention.

9. Communicate changes to users: If your website has regular visitors or loyal customers, it's a good idea to communicate the changes to them. Consider sending out email notifications, posting announcements on social media, or adding a notice on your website to inform users about the restructuring and any changes in URL structure.
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C.Rebecca

#2
You should redirect them temporarily.... Once you are done with the reconstruction part, remove the temporary redirect.

In this way you will not lose your rankings.
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