Redirecting is an important process that enables forwarding one URL to another. It transfers search engines and users to the right place which is different from the one requested. 301 belongs to the most commonly used redirects, highly recommended for search engine optimization (SEO). It means that the requested URL has permanently moved to another address.
In this process, ranking power on the redirected page is preserved up to 99%. Most users consider permanent redirects the best method for applying redirects on a website. When there is a need to redirect, 301 is the best choice for all kinds of browsers and search engines. Although redirecting is a common practice within the web, some rules must be observed to maintain SEO values.
301 Redirect in Charge of Retaining Organic Traffic
There are many options on how to redirect, and not all of them require strong coding skills. 301 Redirect plugin for WordPress is a user-friendly tool, equally loved by professionals and common website owners. 301 redirect means that some page has moved permanently not only in the terms of location but the whole content too.
Same with links from the original page. Changes in posts and pages affect traffic, especially if they alter URL structure. Redirecting with the 301 Redirects plugin is secure because it saves the same URL structure as much as possible. However, search engine recognition won’t happen instantly.
It takes some time before search engines evaluate the redirect and credit the new page with rankings and trust of the original page. The time needed varies. Since retaining organic traffic and improving SEO is the main goal, it is necessary to understand how proper redirecting can help to regain 10% of the site traffic.
Site migration, overhaul, or redirecting single page or post must be carefully planned. In this case, retaining and even improving traffic won’t be a problem. It is especially important for small businesses, where organic traffic loss slows down the sale and puts the whole business at risk. Using 301 Redirect helps you do the process risk-less and get back on track. Content is of crucial importance since it is what draws traffic, and technically the plugin will do the job flawlessly.
Follow the Steps, Double-check Everything, and Wait
So far we have seen how important redirects are, but you have to configure them properly. That means keeping the URL structure the same if possible and implement 301 redirects. This ensures traffic to climb back to original levels which will not happen if some of the content is missing. Not-existing content does not bring the rank. Correct redirects ensure that all high traffic content will be there too. Content issues are often, especially if you decide to make redirects manually by changing the .htaccess file.
There is no need to use such a method, even if you are a professional working in web design and development. There is a simpler, reliable solution, and 301 Redirects was designed to serve all users equally, those more experienced, and those who want to maintain their site on their own. Content changes have also impact, and you should carry on a qualitative review. Web archives can help you with this job. If you have double-checked everything, but you notice traffic turbulence, what you need is patience.
Redirecting will enable you to regain site traffic, but it will not happen in seconds. If everything is in their place, indexing of new pages takes a while, as well as the old pages, need some time to fall out of the index.
Redesign and Redirect Properly
Websites benefit from a redesign, and outdated sites have no chance to retain traffic. The wished results might be missing, but if everything is done right, you can count on the increase of traffic, conversion, and sales. Unfortunately, it happens sometimes just the opposite. Traffic drops can be avoided, and whatever the issue, it can be fixed. Keep in mind that minor traffic decline is nothing to worry about, especially if it happens in the first days after the new design was launched. It is usually less than 10%, and it happens due to Google indexing. Redirecting is the main part of the redesign, and to index new pages takes time. Redirects must be set up properly, and no step can be skipped.
Otherwise, this might be the reason to lose organic traffic. In most cases, URLs are not the same, as well as pages. Changing URL structure and redirection of pages to new locations must be done properly to avoid traffic drop. The best choice is to conduct it with a 301 Redirect plugin to be sure that redirects are completely implemented. This will balance traffic levels and help you regain 10% of your traffic you might have lost. Within a few weeks, you will be getting back to normal and enjoy improvement the new design carries along. If there are not any other issues, you can consider the redesign successful and proceed with your business.
The organic traffic will return to normal levels, but it will not happen in minutes. If Google indexing is the reason, and you have done the redirecting by the rules, it won’t take long. Whatever the case, the traffic drop needs an immediate remedy. If you are about to redesign your site and acquire a positive impact on your business, remember that SEO is an important part of the process. Traffic loss can be serious for many reasons, but the 10% you might lose as a part of the standard procedure, can be fast regained by redirecting.
Before you proceed with changes, prepare a detailed strategy, and collect information on every page you want to redirect. By trying to simplify the process, you take your chances. It can seriously harm your ranking, and it is unnecessary. Redirecting could not be simpler than with 301 Redirects. The plugin does the job with redirects, and you take the time to create a new site map.