URL redirection, also known as URL forwarding, refers to the process of forwarding one URL to another. This technique enables website owners to redirect users and search engines from an old or obsolete URL to a new one seamlessly. By implementing proper URL redirection, online retailers can ensure that visitors and search engine bots are directed to the correct pages, avoiding broken links, 404 errors, and potential loss of traffic.
Shopify provides built-in tools and features to enable website owners to set up URL redirects effortlessly. In this comprehensive guide, I will explore the process of redirecting URLs in Shopify, step by step. As a Shopify expert will cover different types of URL redirects, the benefits of implementing them, and best practices to follow.
Types and benefits of redirects:
In Shopify, there are two types of URL redirection, 301 redirects (Permanent Redirects) and 302 redirects (Temporary Redirects). By seamlessly redirecting visitors to a new URL, 301 redirects can improve SEO by preserving search engine rankings and enhance user experience.
On the other hand, 302 redirects are temporary and provide flexibility for testing different landing pages or promotions without permanently altering the original URL. They also preserve user bookmarks and ensure uninterrupted access to content. By utilizing the appropriate type of Shopify redirect URL, you can optimize SEO, maintain a positive user experience, preserve search engine rankings, and facilitate smooth navigation for visitors.
Steps to redirect in shopify:
Log in to your Shopify admin panel using your credentials.
From the Shopify admin dashboard, click on “Online Store” in the left-hand menu.
Select “Navigation” from the options that appear.
Scroll down until you find the “URL Redirects” section and click on it.
Within the URL Redirects section, click on the “Add URL redirect” button.
In the “Redirect from” field, enter the old URL that you want to redirect from. Include the full URL, including the domain name (e.g., https://www.example.com/old-page).
In the “Redirect to” field, enter the new URL that you want the old URL to redirect to. Again, provide the full URL, including the domain name (e.g., https://www.example.com/new-page).
Choose the appropriate redirection type from the dropdown menu. For a permanent redirect, select “301 Redirect.” For a temporary redirect, select “302 Redirect.”
Click on the “Save redirect” button to create the URL redirect.
To test the redirect, open a web browser and enter the old URL. It should automatically redirect to the new URL you specified.
Double-check the source and target URLs, as well as the redirection type, if the redirect is not functioning correctly.
Repeat the above steps for any additional URLs you want to redirect.
Common issues and troubleshooting
When redirecting URLs in Shopify, common issues and troubleshooting steps may arise. One common problem is broken or incorrect redirects, where the intended redirection does not work as expected, and the original URL remains unchanged or leads to a 404 error. To troubleshoot this, one should verify the accuracy of the source and target URLs, ensure the correct redirect type (301 or 302), clear browser cache, and check for any conflicting redirects or URL patterns.
Another issue is redirect loops, where the redirected URL enters an infinite loop and fails to load. To address this, circular redirects should be identified and removed or modified, ensuring the redirect chain is not unintentionally looping.Handling URL changes and migrations can also present challenges. If redirects for URL changes or website migrations are not functioning correctly, one should ensure that all old URLs are properly redirected to their new equivalents, update internal links and references, submit the updated sitemap for reindexing by search engines, and monitor website traffic and rankings for any issues post-migration.
In cases where traffic or rankings significantly drop after implementing redirects, it is important to check for missed redirects or broken links, analyze website analytics to identify specific pages or sections affected, optimize SEO for the URL changes, and consider seeking assistance from an SEO professional if needed. Taking caution and making backups when making changes to URL redirects is advisable to prevent unintended consequences.
Conclusion:
Redirecting a URL in Shopify is a straightforward process that can greatly benefit your Shopify store. By implementing URL redirection, you can improve SEO, enhance user experience, and maintain search engine rankings. This can be achieved by following a few simple steps, such as accessing the Shopify admin panel, navigating to the Online Store settings, creating a new URL redirect by defining the source and target URLs, and selecting the appropriate redirection type.
Additionally, it is important to adhere to best practices, such as maintaining a comprehensive list of redirects, updating and reviewing them periodically, and monitoring website traffic and analytics. By effectively redirecting URLs in Shopify, you can ensure a seamless browsing experience for your customers and optimize your store’s online presence. In the end you may say that If you found a good domain then you can redirect to get more traffic at your store.
