25 Mar How to Redirect a URL within WordPress? [Easiest Method]

The basic way of performing any function is through a specific code. But in WordPress, this isn’t the same in every case.

I get that you’re not a coding expert (maybe you’ve basic knowledge), and that’s why you’re looking for a way to learn how to redirect a URL within WordPress.

This isn’t a lengthy process to follow but still you got a bunch of options to try. You need to follow any of them which works in your case (although all of them works, in general, cases).

There are lots of factors to be considered before taking any action related to redirection, and you should consider updating your knowledge with this Moz post.

How to Redirect a URL within WordPress?

I’m starting here with the easiest known way (which is totally worth, you’ll believe in me Soon) to do this trick right within your WordPress Dashboard. Simply choose the method of your comfort and follow the steps as I’ve added accordingly.

Using WP 301 Redirects

WP 301 Redirects has everything you might need when it comes to redirecting. The plugin prevents your users from hitting the 404 page and instead redirects them to the actual page they were looking for, while bad bots are ignored.

In addition, if you changed or updated your URL, WP 301 Redirects will easily handle the redirection and show the users your new website. Furthermore, the plugin monitors possible changes in page or post URLs and automatically creates a redirect rule. You can be sure that you won’t lose any traffic or conversions.

What is more, WP 301 Redirects provides you with built-in charts to track your performance and traffic, which allows you to see what you are doing right and what needs to change.

Redirection Plugin

As you’re already aware of the fact that best way to implement a special function in WordPress platform is through installing a related plugin.

In this case, finding a plugin that can do redirection an easy job isn’t that easy (also not very hard for the right person). You need to have a recommended plugin which is always updated and compatible with every latest version is coming out of WordPress script.

Well, Redirection (its name) is that plugin.

You don’t need to pay any single penny to use any of the features offered within and you’ll find most of its reviews impressive. This incredible plugin is being installed over millions of times, and so you got nothing to question about its credibility here.

Features Offered by Redirection Plugin

Let us first discuss over features offered by this special plugin. You can off course skip to the method which you came here looking for, but trust me, this feature part is worth knowing.

• It can easily set a URL redirected onto a target one.
• It can monitor all 404 web pages of your blog/website and create a log for you.
• Redirecting and managing 404 web pages is as easy as mapping them through log tool.
• You’ve total control over redirecting any kind of URL, no matter whether it is existing or not.
• You can set custom pass-through redirections that will allow readers to pass a URL through another website.
• Over 20+ languages are supported and this plugin is available in each of them.
• You can ask it to set all new URL’s to be redirected (301) to newer ones, instantly with the change.
• This mechanism even works on special web pages of your WordPress driven blog like index.php, index.html or index.htm.
• It doesn’t require any .htaccess rather works entirely within WordPress (which is our main goal).
• Statics tool is there within that keeps data of each and every activity going at your website. It can even let you know how many times users are redirected at the URLs you’ve set.

With all these useful feature, there is no question at all that this plugin isn’t worth.

The only issue I saw, in this case, is that support hasn’t been good from the developer. Currently, only 7 support related threads out of total 83 have been resolved. There is no monitoring of rest of the threads by developer.

On the other hand, after using this plugin and most of its tools, I didn’t find any need for support. Everything is well labeled and packed in simple UI.

So, unless you’re new to WordPress and plugin related jobs, you won’t need any support. I’m sure you’re going to share this guide and also going to rate the plugin.

Method

Now let’s come with the method that works. Simply follow the below mention steps.

1. Move to Plugins page at WordPress Dashboard of your website.
2. Click on Add New option and find this plugin with its name i.e. Redirection.
3. Now, you need to install one with ‘John Godley’ as developer name. It won’t take any longer than a minute.
4. Move into Plugin’s new page that have been added within Dashboard and there you’ll see a simple screen.
5. Paste the ‘Source URL’ (URL which you wish to redirect), ‘Target URL’ (new URL with whom you want to mask older one) and click on ‘Add Redirection’ button over there.

It’s all done now.

Make a note here please, this was a process covering how you can redirect a URL within WordPress. Covering each and every method is beyond the scope for a single post (I’d help you through the discussion section for any related queries).

You can find full documentation and every single tool offered by this plugin over its official webpage here.

I hope you were able to set an existing page redirects to a newer one. As per SEO perspective, it’s a good practice. But there are lots of factors involved.

I hope you took the time to check the Moz post I’ve added earlier (if not, then do check it now).

If you need help on any related issue or thing, just mention that in the discussion section beneath. I wish to be for your help here. Peace.