URL mappings are powerful tools for managing website traffic and SEO by forwarding visitors from inactive to active pages. There are two main types of redirects:

301 Redirects (Permanent)

• Used for permanent URL changes
• Transfers search engine ranking to new page
• Best for: URL changes, deleted pages, domain changes, or imported content
• Tells search engines the move is permanent

302 Redirects (Temporary)

• Used for temporary URL changes
• Maintains original page's search ranking
• Best for: Seasonal content, temporary updates, or rotating pages
• Tells search engines the move is temporary

Creating Redirects:

1. Access Developer tools panel
2. Click URL mappings
3. Add redirects using correct format:

   old-url -> new-url 301/302

4. Click Save

Key Formatting Rules:

• Match URL capitalization
• Avoid ?, &, # symbols (except RSS feeds)
• Follow proper syntax: old-url -> new-url redirect-type
• Limited to 400 KB (~2500 redirect lines)
• Higher redirects take priority

Common Use Cases:

For Single Pages:

/old-page -> /new-page 301

For Multiple Blog Posts:

/old-blog/[name] -> /new-blog/[name] 301

For Store Products:

/old-store/p/[name] -> /new-store/p/[name] 301

Important Notes:

• Can't redirect image/file URLs
• Homepage (/) can't be redirected
• Redirects only work if original page is deleted/disabled
• Only works with connected domains
• Keep redirect list manageable by removing inactive ones

Troubleshooting:

• Check correct formatting
• Ensure destination pages are active
• Verify redirect type (301/302)
• Monitor for redirect loops
• Watch for character limits

Related Articles

Previous Articles