301 Redirects in eDirectoy

Introduction

A 301 redirect is a crucial tool for website management, ensuring that users and search engines are automatically directed from an old URL to a new one. This helps maintain a seamless browsing experience while preserving SEO rankings. If you need to move or rename pages on your website, setting up 301 redirects ensures visitors can still access your content without encountering broken links.

What Are 301 Redirects?

A 301 redirect is a permanent redirection from one URL to another. It informs search engines and browsers that a page has moved, allowing them to update their records accordingly.

301 redirects are especially useful when:

• A page is deleted or replaced with a new version.
• A website undergoes a restructuring or rebranding.
• URLs need to be optimized for better search rankings.

How 301 Redirects Impact SEO

Implementing 301 redirects properly ensures that search engines recognize the change without negatively affecting your website’s SEO ranking. They pass link equity (or "SEO value") from the old page to the new one, helping maintain your search visibility.

Managing 301 Redirects in eDirectory

eDirectory offers a Redirect Manager that allows you to create, edit, delete, and view 301 redirects effortlessly.

How to Create a 301 Redirect

1. Navigate to the SEO Center in the Promote section.
2. Locate the Redirect Manager section.

3. Enter the old URL and the new URL in the provided dialog box.

4. Click Add to activate the redirect.

Your 301 redirect is now set up and functional!

How to Edit a 301 Redirect

If you need to modify an existing redirect:

1. Go to the SEO Center under Promote.
2. Locate the Redirect Manager section and select Edit Redirect.

3. Update the old and new URLs as needed.
4. Click Save to apply changes.

Your updated 301 redirect is now in place.

How to Delete a 301 Redirect

To remove a 301 redirect:

1. Access the SEO Center in the Promote section.
2. Go to the Redirects section and click Delete Redirect.

3. Confirm the action when prompted.
4. Click Delete to finalize removal.

Once deleted, the redirect will no longer function, and users will encounter the original (or now non-existent) page.

How to View Your 301 Redirects

To check if your redirects are working properly:

1. Visit the SEO Center in the Promote section.
2. Click View Redirect under the Redirects section.

3. A new browser tab will open, displaying the old URL.
4. If set up correctly, you will be automatically redirected to the new URL.

Conclusion

301 redirects are an essential part of website maintenance, ensuring a smooth user experience while preserving SEO value. Whether you're restructuring your site, renaming pages, or redirecting outdated URLs, eDirectory’s Redirect Manager makes the process straightforward. By properly implementing and managing 301 redirects, you can keep your website organized and ensure that visitors and search engines always find the correct content.