Creating Redirects in WordPress: cPanel and Plugin Methods
Learn how to create and manage URL redirects using cPanel's built-in tools or WordPress plugins while maintaining SEO value.
Creating Redirects in WordPress: cPanel and Plugin Methods
Overview
URL redirects are essential for maintaining SEO value and user experience when webpage locations change. This guide covers two methods for creating redirects on your WPCloud-hosted WordPress site: using cPanel's built-in redirect tool and the WordPress Redirection plugin. Both methods offer different advantages depending on your specific needs.
Prerequisites
- Active WPCloud hosting account
- cPanel access credentials
- WordPress admin access
- List of URLs requiring redirection
- Target URLs for each redirect
Method 1: Creating Redirects Using cPanel
Overview of cPanel Redirects
cPanel redirects operate at the server level, making them slightly faster than plugin-based solutions. These redirects are processed before WordPress loads and are managed through cPanel's user-friendly interface.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Access cPanel Redirects
- Log in to your cPanel account
- Scroll to the "Domains" section
- Click on "Redirects"
- Configure Redirect Settings
- Select redirect type:
- 301 (Permanent): For permanent URL changes
- 302 (Temporary): For temporary redirects
- Choose the domain from the dropdown menu
- Enter URL Information
- In "Redirects from": Enter the source path (e.g.,
/old-page) - In "Redirects to": Enter the complete target URL (e.g.,
https://yourdomain.com/new-page)
- Complete the Process
- Click "Add" to create the redirect
- Verify the redirect is listed in the redirects overview
Method 2: Creating Redirects Using the Redirection Plugin
Plugin Installation
- Install the Plugin
- Navigate to WordPress Dashboard > Plugins > Add New
- Search for "Redirection"
- Click "Install Now" followed by "Activate"
Creating Redirects
- Access Redirect Settings
- Go to Tools > Redirection in WordPress dashboard
- Locate the "Add new redirection" section
- Configure Redirect Rules
- Enter Source URL (old path)
- Enter Target URL (new destination)
- Select redirect type (301 Permanent recommended)
- Click "Add Redirect"
Managing Existing Redirects
- View all redirects in the main Redirection interface
- Use the search function to find specific redirects
- Enable/disable redirects using toggle switches
- Delete redirects by selecting them and using the bulk actions menu
Best Practices
SEO Considerations
- Use 301 redirects for permanent URL changes
- Avoid redirect chains (redirects pointing to other redirects)
- Keep redirects to a minimum to maintain site speed
Maintenance Tips
- Regularly audit your redirects
- Remove unnecessary redirects
- Document your redirect strategy
- Test redirects after WordPress updates
Performance Impact
- Choose cPanel redirects for better performance
- Use plugin redirects for easier management
- Monitor site speed after implementing redirects
Common Issues and Solutions
Redirect Not Working
- Issue: Redirect appears to be ignored
- Solution:
- Clear browser cache
- Verify redirect syntax
- Check for conflicting redirects
Redirect Loop Detected
- Issue: Browser shows ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS
- Solution:
- Check for circular redirects
- Review redirect chain length
- Clear browser cache and cookies
Plugin Conflicts
- Issue: Redirects stop working after plugin updates
- Solution:
- Temporarily disable other SEO plugins
- Check for conflicting redirect rules
- Update all plugins to latest versions
Troubleshooting Steps
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Verify .htaccess file permissions (644)
- Check WordPress permalink settings
- Review server error logs in cPanel
- Test redirects in incognito mode
Support Options
If you encounter issues setting up redirects:
- Create a support ticket: https://support.wpcloud.ca/clientarea.php
- Email support: support@wpcloud.ca
- Response time: Usually within 15 minutes
Last updated on November 19, 2024