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How to Redirect a WordPress Page to Another URL Easily

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever found yourself needing to send visitors from one WordPress page to another, whether it’s for a rebranded site, updated content, or a temporary promotion? Redirecting a page is a common task, but it can feel confusing if you’re not sure where to start.

Knowing how to set up a smooth redirection helps ensure your audience lands where you want them, improving user experience and even SEO.

In this article, you’ll discover easy, step-by-step ways to redirect a WordPress page to another URL, along with helpful tips to get it right every time.

Related Video

How to Redirect a WordPress Page to Another URL: A Complete Guide

Redirecting a WordPress page to another URL is a common task that’s essential for maintaining a healthy, user-friendly website. Whether you’ve changed the URL of a key page, want to combine similar content, or need to temporarily divert users elsewhere, knowing how to set up redirects is crucial. In this guide, you’ll learn different methods to redirect pages in WordPress—both with plugins and manual solutions—along with best practices, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

What Is a Redirect in WordPress?

A redirect automatically sends anyone who visits a specific URL to a different web address. For example, if you move your “About Us” page from /about to /company/about, a visitor going to the old page will be taken straight to the new one without any extra clicks. This helps maintain good user experience and avoids losing traffic.

The most common types are:

  • 301 Redirect: Permanent. Tells browsers and search engines the page has moved for good.
  • 302 Redirect: Temporary. Indicates that the move is not permanent.

Why Set Up Redirects on Your WordPress Site?

Here are some reasons why setting up redirects is necessary:

  • Preserve SEO Rankings: Redirecting ensures you don’t lose hard-earned search rankings when URLs change.
  • Improve User Experience: Visitors find what they’re looking for, rather than running into broken links or “404 Not Found” pages.
  • Site Restructuring: Redirects are essential when merging pages, changing website structure, or deleting outdated content.
  • Fix Typos or Old Links: If you’ve sent out links in emails or social media that have since changed, a redirect helps keep them working.


How to Redirect a Page or URL in WordPress - devdiggers.com - redirect wordpress page to another url

Methods to Redirect a WordPress Page

There are two main ways to set up redirects in WordPress:

  1. Using a Plugin: The fastest and easiest way for most site owners.
  2. Manual Redirects: For those comfortable with editing code or server files.

Let’s break down both options.

1. Redirecting Pages Using a Plugin

Plugins are perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to manage redirects easily from the WordPress dashboard. Let’s look at how to do this step by step.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Redirect with a Plugin

  1. Install and Activate a Redirect Plugin


How to Redirect a WordPress Page (with and without plugins) - QuadLayers - redirect wordpress page to another url
 

- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to "Plugins" > "Add New".
- Search for a redirect plugin (popular choices include "Redirection", "Safe Redirect Manager", or tools built into SEO plugins).
- Click "Install Now" and then "Activate".

  1. Create a New Redirect

    • After activation, go to the plugin’s settings (often under “Tools” > “Redirection” or a section with the plugin’s name).
    • Find the section to “Add new redirection”.

  2. Set Up Redirect Details

    • Source URL: Enter the old page’s URL you want to redirect from.
    • Target URL: Enter the new URL where visitors should be sent.
    • Choose the redirect type (usually 301 for permanent).
    • Save or publish your redirect rule.

  3. Test the Redirect

    • Open a new browser tab and enter the old URL to ensure it sends you to the new address.

Benefits of Using Plugins

  • No Coding Required: All changes happen in your dashboard.
  • Bulk Management: Set up, edit, and manage multiple redirects easily.
  • Logs and Reports: Many plugins provide logs so you can track redirect hits and spot issues.
  • Extra Features: Some plugins fix 404 errors automatically or manage query parameters.

Popular WordPress Redirect Plugins

  • Redirection
  • Safe Redirect Manager
  • SEO plugins (like Rank Math, All in One SEO, Yoast)
  • Simple 301 Redirects

2. Manual Redirects: Two Common Methods

For more control—or if you want the site to run with fewer plugins—manual redirects are another option. Here are the most common approaches:

Method A: Editing the .htaccess File (for Apache Servers)

The .htaccess file is a configuration file used by Apache web servers. This method is technical and recommended if you’re comfortable with FTP and code.

Steps:

  1. Access Your .htaccess File


How to Redirect a WordPress Page to Another URL (In a Snap!) - OptinMonster - redirect wordpress page to another url
 

- Use an FTP client or your host’s file manager to open the root directory of your WordPress site.

  1. Make a Backup

    • Always back up your .htaccess file before editing.

  2. Add a Redirect Rule

    • To redirect from /old-page to /new-page, add:

    Redirect 301 /old-page /new-page

    • For full URLs or redirects to other domains:

    Redirect 301 /old-page https://example.com/new-page

  3. Save and Test

    • Save the file and test your redirect.

Note: A tiny code error in .htaccess can bring down your site. If you’re not sure, use a plugin or ask your web host for help.

Method B: Using PHP in Your Template Files

This approach is useful for one-off or temporary redirects.

Steps:

  1. Edit the Page Template

    • Go to “Appearance” > “Theme Editor”, and select the template file for your page, or use a child theme.

  2. Add PHP Redirect Code at the Top

    “`php

    “`

  3. Save and Check

    • Save your changes and ensure the old page now sends users to the new URL.

Best Practices for WordPress Redirects

  • Always Use 301 for Permanent Moves: This passes SEO value to the new page.
  • Test All Redirects: Check that visitors and search engines are redirected correctly.
  • Limit the Number of Redirects: Too many redirects can slow down your website and hurt rankings.
  • Track 404 Errors: Use a plugin or monitoring tool to spot broken links.
  • Regularly Review: Over time, update or remove redirects no longer needed to keep your site performing well.

Additional Tips and Advice

  • Plugin Performance: Only use reputable plugins that are regularly updated to avoid security risks.
  • SEO Audits: Periodically run site audits using tools or plugins to ensure redirect chains and loops aren’t affecting SEO.
  • Keep Redirects Simple: Redirect directly from the old page to the new target. Avoid multiple hops.
  • Deleting Pages: If you delete a page, always set up a redirect to another relevant page or your homepage.
  • Migrating to New Domains: For large changes, such as moving an entire website, consider site-wide redirects and coordinate with your hosting provider.

Common Challenges with Redirects

While redirecting sounds simple, you might face challenges:

  • Redirect Loops: This happens when Page A redirects to Page B, which then redirects back to Page A, trapping users and search engines.
  • Plugin Conflicts: Too many plugins managing redirects can cause overlaps or confusion.
  • Missed Broken Links: Not tracking URLs that generate 404 errors can lead to a poor user experience and lost SEO value.
  • Forgetting to Update Internal Links: Even if you set up redirects, old links on your website should be updated to point directly to the new URL.

Cost Tips

Most redirect plugins and methods are free. Premium SEO plugins may offer advanced redirect management, but for the majority of websites, free options suffice. If you’re working with a web developer, simple redirects are a low-cost task. Just remember that an investment in proper redirect management saves money long-term by preserving your website traffic and SEO rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the easiest way to redirect a WordPress page or post?

The easiest method is using a redirect plugin. These plugins allow you to create and manage redirects from your WordPress dashboard without code, and many offer a free version suitable for most sites.

Should I use a 301 or 302 redirect?

Use a 301 redirect for permanent changes. This passes SEO value to the new page. Use a 302 redirect only if the change is truly temporary, such as for running a short-term campaign or test.

Do I need to update internal links after setting a redirect?

Yes. While a redirect ensures users reach the right place, updating your internal links to the new URLs improves user experience and keeps your website tidy for both visitors and search engines.

Can I redirect from multiple old URLs to a single new page?

Absolutely. Most plugins and manual methods allow you to point multiple old URLs to one new address. This is especially helpful if you’re consolidating content or cleaning up duplicate pages.

Will redirects affect my website’s loading speed or SEO?

If done correctly, redirects have minimal impact on speed or SEO. However, avoid long chains (one redirect leading to another and so on) or unnecessary redirects, as they can slow down the site and dilute SEO value.

Conclusion

Redirecting WordPress pages is essential for keeping your site healthy, user-friendly, and SEO-optimized. Whether you choose a plugin for its convenience or a manual method for granular control, the key is to test your redirects, keep them organized, and regularly review your site for any broken links. By following these steps and best practices, you can ensure a seamless experience for your visitors—and keep your site’s search engine rankings intact.

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