In most cases, a 301 redirect is the best method for implementing redirects on a website. A 301 redirect is permanent and transfers between 90-99% of link equity (ranking power) to the redirected page. The term "301" refers to the HTTP status code for this type of redirect.
This article will cover the following:
1. Why do I need a 301 Redirect
Redirecting one URL to another is a common practice, but it’s essential to follow best practices to preserve SEO value.
A 301 redirect is the preferred method for both users and search engines. It signals to browsers and search engine bots that a page has permanently moved to a new location. Search engines interpret this as not only a change in the page’s location but also an indication that the content—or an updated version of it—is now available at the new URL. Additionally, search engines transfer any link equity from the original page to the new URL.
2. When do I need a 301 Redirect
If you anticipate that customers may still click on a store URL that is no longer valid or existing, you can use a 301 redirect to permanently guide them to the new URL.
*Notes:
- You can only set up a 301 redirect for expired URLs.
- As a result, URLs starting with the following prefixes cannot be redirected:
System Page URLs
/products, /categories, /cart, /checkout, /order_complete, /sign_up, /sign_in,
/users, /member_points, /user_credits, /coupons, /orders, /wishlist
Default Non-Removable Page URLs
/about, /terms, /privacy-policy, /policy, /anti-fraud, /blog/posts
3. How to set up 301 Redirect
Step 1
In the SHOPLINE Admin, go to [App] > [App Store] to install the "301 Redirect" App.
*Note: If you are using the e-Commerce or Social Commerce plan, you can use this feature without installation.
Step 2
Go to [Settings] > [Domain Settings] and select the 301 Redirect tab.
Step 3
i. Add entry
Click the Add entry button on the right.
Enter the old URL and the new URL you would like it to be redirected to. Click Add to save.
*Note: Only English alphabets, numbers, and specified special symbols " _ - / . # ? % = & + () [] " are supported. If Chinese or characters other than the special symbols marked in black above are entered, there may be an error prompt after upon clicking Add.
ii. Bulk import
If you need to change multiple URLs at once, click the button on the right and select Bulk import.
Click the link to download the sample file.
In the form, fill in the old URLs you wish to redirect and the new URLs for redirection. The input rules are as follows:
- Each file can contain up to 1,000 entries (excluding the first three lines).
- Each store can set up to 5,000 entries. If the limit is reached, no more entries can be added.
- The system will start adding redirect URLs from the 4th row. Do not delete the first 3 rows.
- Only English alphabets, numbers, and specified special symbols " _ - / . # ? % = & + () [] " are supported.
- You can only set the domain URL of your store, and the URL cannot be duplicated. Enter the subdomain of the URL. For example, if the old URL is https://test.shoplineapp.com/sample-url, enter /sample-url.
Return to the Admin and upload the completed file. Click Bulk import.
*Note: Only one .xlsx file can be uploaded at a time.
After uploading the file, go to [Report & Analytics] > [Bulk Action Progress] to view the result. If any entries fail to upload, you can click Download on the right to export a report and check the failure reasons.
Step 4
You can see which old URLs are redirecting to which new URLs on this listing tab. You can also delete the setting when the URL no longer needs 301 redirections.
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