You’ve probably experienced it before – clicking on a link only to land on a dreaded “404 Page Not Found” error. That frustrating moment when you’re hunting for information and hit a dead end?
That’s exactly what happens to your visitors when you move, delete, or restructure content on your WordPress site without proper redirects in place.
Redirects are your website’s GPS system. They steer both visitors and search engines from the old URL to the new one whenever content shifts.
Here’s why they matter:
- Preserve SEO authority: Skip the redirects, and you lose all the equity and domain authority that the link had built up.
- Enhance user experience: Instead of frustrated visitors bouncing away from error pages, redirects guide them to the right place.
- Maintain professionalism: Nothing screams “unprofessional” like broken links scattered throughout your website.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through three practical ways to set up WordPress redirects, from simple “click-and-go” plugins to powerful SEO all-in-ones, plus the more hands-on, code-savvy routes.
You’ll learn how to keep your SEO intact, your traffic flowing, and your visitors happily landing where they’re meant to.
Let’s get started.
Understanding WordPress page redirect types
Before we get into how to set them up, it’s worth getting familiar with the different types of redirects you’ll come across in WordPress.
Technically, there are five HTTP redirect status codes (301, 302, 303, 307, and 308), but for most WordPress users, only two really matter. Let’s run through them.
301 redirects are used when a page has been moved permanently. They tell browsers and search engines, “this page has a new home,” and crucially, they carry over most of the SEO value.
✅ Example: You permanently move a blog from /tips-for-freelancers/ to /freelancer-productivity/
If you’re updating your site structure or retiring old URLs, this is the redirect you’ll typically use.
302 redirects, on the other hand, are for temporary moves. They signal that the original page will be back soon, so search engines should keep it indexed.
⚠️ Use these with care, and only if you’re genuinely planning to restore the original URL.
So, when should you set up redirects in WordPress?
Here are the most common scenarios:
- Consolidating content: When merging or retiring old pages that still get traffic.
- Improving URLs: Cleaner, SEO-friendly links mean the old ones need pointing forward.
- Restructuring site hierarchy: Moving pages between parent categories (e.g., from /blog/tips/seo/ to /resources/seo/) requires redirects.
- Changing platforms: Moving from Shopify to WooCommerce, Wix to WordPress, or any platform migration typically requires extensive redirects due to different URL structures.
3 WordPress redirect methods to implement 301 redirects
There are a few different ways to set up redirects in WordPress, depending on your comfort level and specific needs. Here, we’ll walk through three tried-and-tested options, starting with the easiest and moving toward the more technical:
- Simple plugins that make setup quick and hassle-free.
- Advanced SEO plugins that offer deeper control and features.
- Manual edits to your site’s .htaccess file for those who want full control under the hood.
Each method has its strengths, so choose the one that best fits your workflow and level of comfort with the platform.
Method 1: Use a WordPress plugin to manage redirects
If you’re looking for the easiest way to set up redirects in WordPress, a plugin is your best bet. No code, no server-side edits, just a few clicks.
One of the most trusted tools for the job is the free Redirection plugin. It supports 301 redirects and offers a clean, intuitive interface that takes care of the heavy lifting.
Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Install the plugin
Head to your WordPress dashboard and go to Plugins > Add New.
Search for “Redirection” (by John Godley) and click Install, then Activate.
Step 2: Set up your first redirect
- Navigate to Tools > Redirection.
- In the Source URL field, enter the path of the page you want to redirect (e.g. /old-page/).
- In the Target URL field, add the new destination (e.g. /new-page/).
- Keep the default Query Parameters for Exact match in any order.
- Click Add Redirect.
Step 3: Test it works
Open a browser window and visit the old URL. If it redirects to the new page, you’re good to go.
It’s a reliable, beginner-friendly tool that simplifies redirect management while giving you a clearer view of what’s working and what needs attention. Now, let’s explore a more comprehensive solution…
Method 2: Setting up better redirects with SEOPress PRO
If you’re using WordPress and looking for a more robust redirect solution, SEOPress PRO is a standout choice. It offers a powerful redirection manager that goes well beyond what basic plugins can do, helping you preserve traffic, safeguard your SEO equity, and keep everything tightly integrated with your broader SEO strategy.
Here’s what SEOPress PRO brings to the table:
- Multiple redirect types: Go beyond just setting up 301 redirects. With SEOPress PRO, you can also set up 302, 307, 410, and 451 redirects and add condition rules.
- Smart notifications: No need to create manual redirects from 404 logs. SEOPress PRO allows you to get notified whenever a URL slug changes or content is deleted, so you can create redirects with a single click.
- 404 error monitoring: Identify and fix broken links to improve user experience and avoid wasting crawl budget.
- Bulk management: Handle large volumes of redirects easily by importing/exporting CSV files (you can even export to .htaccess).
| Feature | SEOPress PRO | Redirection |
| 410 & 451 Redirect Types | ✅ Yes – includes 410 and 451. | ❌ No – limited to 301, 302, 307 only. |
| Full Origin URL for 404s | ✅ Yes – shows exact origin domain, even with multilingual + multidomain setups. | ❌ No – shows only referrer, without full origin context. |
| Regex with Capture Groups (via UI) | ✅ Yes – full regex + capture group support since v5.3. | ❌ No capture group support in UI source. |
| Regex UI and Grouping | ✅ Yes – regex interface with redirect categorization. | ❌ No grouping or regex UI enhancements. |
| Automatic Redirect Suggestions for Slug Changes | ✅ Yes – notifies when URL slugs change or content is deleted. | ❌ Relies on monitoring and manual intervention. |
| Bulk Import/Export from Other SEO Plugins | ✅ Yes – supports import from Yoast, Rank Math, AIOSEO. | ✅ Yes – but standard CSV import/export only. |
| 404 Error Log with Redirect Creation Workflow | ✅ Yes – 404 count + convert to redirect directly. | ✅ Yes – includes IP/referrer info and filtering source. |
| Export to .htaccess Format | ✅ Yes – can export redirects to Apache format. | ✅ Yes – supports both Apache and Nginx export source. |
Here’s how to set up a 301 redirect in SEOPress PRO:
Step 1: Open the redirection manager
Once installed, head to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to SEOPress > Redirections.
Step 2: Create your redirect
- Enter the source URL (without the domain) in the field beneath Add New Redirection.
- Add your target URL in the URL redirection field (you’ll get handy autocompletion as you type).
- Choose 301 as the redirect type.
- Click Save Changes.
Step 3: Monitor performance
Use the built-in analytics to keep an eye on how your redirects are performing as part of your overall SEO tracking.
✅ Example: Moved your /blog/productivity-hacks/page? SEOPress PRO will flag any broken traffic and let you fix it with one click.
Why SEOPress PRO outshines standalone plugins
It’s easy to think of redirects as a one-off task – just fix the link and move on. But redirects have ripple effects across your SEO. Relying on a standalone tool like the free Redirection plugin might solve the immediate issue, but it overlooks the bigger picture.
With SEOPress PRO, redirects are just one part of a fully integrated SEO strategy. You can configure and monitor the impact of every redirect, and manage meta tags, HTML/XML sitemaps, breadcrumbs, and more – all from the same dashboard.
It’s a more strategic, efficient way to safeguard rankings and keep your SEO on track.
“The PRO version packs an even bigger punch with automatic schema markups, structured data, redirections, 404 monitoring, and more. I’ve been a user since 2016 and SEOPress is an important part of my toolkit to rank content online and increase online brand awareness.” — @asjbrana, SEOPress user.
For more step-by-step guides, visit the SEOPress documentation and learn how to set up advanced redirects with SEOPress.
If you prefer complete control without any plugin overhead, read on…
Method 3: Creating manual redirects through .htaccess file
If you want full control over how your redirects behave, editing your site’s .htaccess file directly is the most flexible route, and eliminates the need for plugins.
⚠️ Before you get started:
- Understand the risks: This method gives you precise control and avoids plugin bloat, but if you’re not confident working with server files, stick to plugin-based options, which are generally safer for most WordPress users.
- Check your permissions: Make sure your hosting provider allows .htaccess edits and that you have the right access level.
- Back everything up: Download a full backup of your site and keep a copy of your current .htaccess file, just in case you need to restore it.
Here’s how to set up a redirect in .htaccess:
1. Access the root directory of your WordPress installation, often named public_html, using either an SFTP (like FileZilla) or your host’s file manager.
2. Locate the .htaccess file. If you can’t see it, then you may need to enable the Show Hidden File option in your file manager or SFTP client to see it.
3. Open the .htaccess file using your file manager’s built-in editor. Or, if you’re using an SFTP client, download it on your computer and open it in a plain text editor.
4. Add your custom redirect rules before the code block that WordPress automatically generates, which starts with # BEGIN WordPress. For example, if you want to set up a basic redirect (301 Permanent), add the following rule:
Redirect 301 /old-path/ https://yourdomain.com/new-path/
Replace
/old-relative-path/
with the real path of the URL you want to redirect from, relative to your domain. Do not include https://yourdomain.com. And replace https://www.yourdomain.com/full-path-to-new-page/ with the complete and absolute URL of the new page.
5. If you edited it directly in your host’s file manager, simply click the Save button. But if you edited it on your computer, upload the modified .htaccess file back to your WordPress root directory via the SFTP, overwriting the existing file on the server.
6. Confirm your redirects are working as expected:
-
- Clear your cache: Your browser may have cached (stored) the old URLs. Clear your browser cache completely or use a private/incognito window for the most accurate test.
- Manual testing: Type an old URL directly into your browser’s address bar and press Enter. You should be instantly taken to the new URL. Test multiple links that should be affected.
- Use a verification tool: For the most reliable check, use an online tool like Redirect Checker. Paste your old URL into the tool, and it will show you the redirect chain and what search engines will see.
Start protecting your SEO with proper redirects today
WordPress redirects are your site’s safety net, catching broken links before they frustrate visitors or hurt your rankings. With the right setup, you can clean up 404 errors in seconds and keep users flowing smoothly to the content they came for.
SEOPress PRO makes it simple to stay in control:
- All-in-one SEO dashboard: Manage redirects alongside your SEO insights, without jumping between tools.
- Clean, modern interface: Built for ease of use, whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned pro.
- Expert support, when it counts: Get help from real professionals, not just documentation.
- Built for performance: Engineered to run fast on high-traffic WordPress sites.
- Automation that works for you: Smart redirect suggestions pop up as you update content.
Trusted by thousands of WordPress users and backed by 1,000+ five-star reviews, SEOPress PRO offers a powerful way to take charge of your site’s SEO health.
Of course, you could set up redirects manually via your .htaccess file, or rely on basic plugins like Redirection, but SEOPress PRO gives you far more.
From easy integration with your broader SEO setup to automations that anticipate your needs, it’s the ultimate all-in-one solution for handling redirects and leveling up your entire site.
Start using SEOPress PRO, and experience how effortless redirect management should be.
