How to Do URL Redirects in Wix - Wix SEO Tutorial

Welcome back to the NewForm blog, where we're diving into all things web design, development, and the digital world. Today’s topic is a real gem from the ever-popular Martian Programming series—a comprehensive walkthrough on how to create URL redirects in Wix. A lot of folks get tangled up when their site visitors end up on those pesky ‘404 Page Not Found’ errors. No worries though, because by the end of this post, you'll be a redirecting pro, guiding your visitors seamlessly across your website.

What Are URL Redirects and Why Do You Need Them?

URL redirects are your website’s way of pointing users (and search engines) from an old URL to a new one. Imagine you have an old page that's no longer active. If visitors land there, they'd find themselves staring at a 404 error. Redirecting is like sending them a detour sign, saying, "Hey, the content you're looking for is right over here!"

Redirects are vital for:

- Improving User Experience: Keeps visitors engaged by directing them to live, relevant pages.

- Maintaining SEO Ranking: Prevents search engines from penalizing you for broken links.

- Recovering Link Equity: Transfers the SEO value from the old URL to the new one.

So, whether you’ve changed your domain, restructured your website, or just polished up some URLs, knowing how to set up these redirects can be a real lifesaver!

Setting Up URL Redirects in Wix

Let’s dig into how exactly you can set up URL redirects on your Wix website. Ready to roll up your sleeves? Here’s the scoop, step-by-step.

Step 1: Accessing the Wix Dashboard

Start by firing up your Wix account and heading over to the Wix Dashboard. This is your control center for everything that goes down on your site.

Step 2: Navigate to SEO Tools

In the dashboard, hover over the Marketing & SEO section. From here, you have two paths: you can either search for “redirect” directly or take the scenic route through SEO Tools. We suggest taking your time with the SEO Tools—it offers valuable insights you'll learn to love.

Step 3: Open the URL Redirect Manager

Once in the SEO tools, look for the URL Redirect Manager. This nifty tool is where you'll conjure your redirect magic, turning those boring error pages into a fantastical journey for your users.

Step 4: Create a New Redirect

Now for the fun part. Click on Create New Redirect, and choose between:

- Single Redirect: Perfect for a one-off redirect.

- Group Redirect: Ideal if you’ve got several URLs that follow the same pattern—for instance, multiple user pages you want directed to a single directory.

For this walkthrough, we’ll stick with the Single Redirect option. Enter the old URL (the page that shows the dreaded 404) and where you want it to go—a fresh page, your homepage, or maybe a special offer page you think your visitors will love.

Step 5: Save and Test

Hit Save and pat yourself on the back. You did it! Before celebrating too much though, always test those redirects. Visit the old URL, and ensure it’s whisking visitors off to the exciting new spot you’ve chosen.

Extra Redirect Tips

Redirects are an ongoing part of maintaining a healthy website. Here are some best practices to live by:

- Avoid Chains: Too many redirects can cause delays. Try to create a direct line from old to new.

- Review Regularly: Websites grow, and changes happen. Regularly checking your redirects ensures everything stays relevant.

- Use 301 Redirects: These are permanent redirects that tell search engines about a lasting change. Most SEO experts swear by these for maintaining your SEO juice.

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Conclusion

Mastering URL redirects in Wix may seem like a small thing, but it's mighty in keeping your website running smoothly and successfully. With these steps, you're set to transform those “page not found” errors into valuable traffic, all while polishing your site’s professionalism.

Stay tuned for more exciting tutorials and insights from Martian Programming right here on the NewForm blog. Dive in, explore, and most importantly, keep creating the web of the future!

Until next time, keep those URLs smooth and your designs inspiring!