How to Set Up a 301 Redirect
A 301 Redirect is one of the most important tools in SEO. It permanently redirects users and search engines from an old URL to a new one. This ensures you don’t lose traffic, rankings, or backlinks when you update or move your pages. Setting up a 301 redirect helps maintain a smooth user experience and keeps your site healthy.
What Is a 301 Redirect?
A 301 Redirect is a permanent redirect that tells search engines:
“This page has moved permanently. Transfer all SEO value to the new page.”
This means Google will pass up to 90–99% link equity, helping your new URL maintain or even improve its ranking.
Why 301 Redirects Are Important
301 redirects play a major role in SEO and user experience. They help you:
✔ Preserve SEO Rankings
If you delete or change a URL without redirecting it, you lose traffic and ranking. A 301 redirect passes SEO authority to the new URL.
✔ Fix Broken Pages
If a user visits an old or deleted page, a 301 redirect automatically sends them to the correct page.
✔ Improve User Experience
Users won’t land on “404 – Page Not Found” errors.
✔ Consolidate Duplicate Content
You can redirect duplicate pages to one main URL to avoid keyword cannibalisation.
✔ Migrate websites smoothly
When shifting from HTTP → HTTPS or from old domain → new domain, 301 is essential.
When Should You Use a 301 Redirect?
Use a 301 redirect when:
- You change a URL
- You delete a page
- You merge two or more pages
- You move from HTTP to HTTPS
- You’re shifting to a new domain
- You fix duplicate URLs
- You restructure website pages
How to Set Up a 301 Redirect (Different Methods)
1. Using the .htaccess File (Apache Websites)
If your website uses Apache server, add this code to your .htaccess file:
Redirect a single page
Redirect 301 /old-page https://www.example.com/new-page
Redirect entire domain
Redirect 301 / https://www.newdomain.com/
HTTP → HTTPS
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
2. Using cPanel Redirect Tool
- Login to cPanel
- Go to Domains → Redirects
- Choose Permanent (301)
- Enter old URL
- Enter new URL
- Click Add Redirect
Easy and perfect for beginners.
3. Using WordPress Plugins
If your website runs on WordPress, use:
- Rank Math
- Yoast SEO
- Redirection Plugin
Example (Redirection Plugin):
- Install Redirection plugin
- Go to Tools → Redirection
- Add “Source URL” (old page)
- Add “Target URL” (new page)
- Save
Done!
4. Using Nginx Server
Add this in your Nginx config:
rewrite ^/old-page$ https://example.com/new-page permanent;
Example of a 301 Redirect
Imagine you changed this URL:
❌ Old URL:
https://example.com/seo-tips-2021
You created a new updated page:
✅ New URL:
https://example.com/seo-tips
Your 301 redirect will look like:
Redirect 301 /seo-tips-2021 https://example.com/seo-tips
Now all traffic + backlinks will go to the new page.