How to set up redirects in WordPress

Setting up a 301 redirect in WordPress ensures visitors and search engines are automatically sent from an old URL to a new one. Follow these simple steps using the Simple 301 Redirects plugin — no coding required.

1. Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard

Go to yourwebsite.com/wp-admin
Enter your username and password
Click Log In

2. Install the Simple 301 Redirects Plugin

In the left-hand menu, click Plugins
Select Add New
In the search bar, type “Simple 301 Redirects”
Find the plugin by WPDeveloper
Click Install Now
Click Activate

3. Open the Redirect Settings

In the left-hand menu, click Settings
Click 301 Redirects
You will see a table with two main fields:
- Request (old URL)
- Destination (new URL)

4. Create a New Redirect

In the Request field, enter the old page path only (e.g., /old-page/)
In the Destination field, enter the full new URL (e.g., https://yourwebsite.com/new-page/)
Click Update

Your redirect is now live.

5. View and Manage Your Redirects

Go to Settings > 301 Redirects
All redirects will appear in the table
Edit the fields directly if you need to change a URL
Click Save Changes after making edits
To remove a redirect, delete the row and click Save Changes

6. Test Your Redirect

Open a new browser tab
Enter the old URL into the address bar
Press Enter
Confirm that it automatically redirects to the new page

What is WordPress

WordPress is a widely used content management system (CMS) that allows users to build, manage, and update websites without needing advanced technical skills. It provides a user-friendly dashboard where you can create pages, publish blog posts, install themes, and extend functionality using plugins. One of WordPress’s biggest strengths is its flexibility — whether you’re running a small business website, an online shop, or a large content platform, it can be customised to suit your needs. Plugins play a key role in this flexibility, enabling features such as SEO optimisation, security enhancements, performance improvements, and URL redirects. Redirects are especially important when you change page URLs, delete outdated content, or restructure your website. Without them, visitors may land on 404 error pages, and search engines may struggle to properly index your content. Using a simple redirect plugin ensures smooth navigation and protects your site’s structure.

Benefits of using WordPress to set up redirects

Setting up redirects directly in WordPress gives you full control over URL changes while protecting your traffic and maintaining a positive user experience.

1. Maintains SEO value

When a page URL changes, search engines need clear instructions about where the content has moved. A 301 redirect signals that the move is permanent, helping transfer ranking authority to the new page. This reduces the risk of losing organic traffic after updating URLs.

2. Prevents 404 error pages

Broken links can frustrate visitors and make your website appear unprofessional. By setting up redirects in WordPress, users are automatically sent to the correct page instead of encountering an error, which improves engagement and trust.

3. Easy to manage without coding

Using a plugin like Simple 301 Redirects allows you to add, edit, or remove redirects directly from your dashboard. There’s no need to access server files or modify code, making it ideal for beginners and non-technical users.