What a 301 plugin actually does
A 301 means the old address has moved for good. Browsers cache it, and Google can pass the old URL's signals to the new one. Use it when a slug changed, a post was merged, or a campaign URL should land on a live page.
Use a 302 only for a short test. Two plugins writing the same rule will fight. Keep one redirect tool.
Add a redirect with the Redirection plugin
- In the dashboard open Plugins, then Add New, search for Redirection, and activate that plugin.
- Open Tools, then Redirection, and finish the setup screen it shows on first run.
- Put the old path, such as /old-page/, in the source field and the new address in the target field. Leave the type as 301.
- Open the old URL in a private window. You should land on the new page, not on a second hop.
The same plugin can list 404 hits so you add rules for URLs people still request. Hosting for the site is covered on WordPress hosting.
Apache .htaccess versus Nginx
On Apache you can also put a permanent rewrite in .htaccess. Back the file up first. One broken line takes the whole site down with a 500.
Nginx does not read .htaccess. A rule you paste there does nothing. Either keep the redirect inside the plugin, which WordPress runs before the file ever matters, or ask the host to add a return in the server block. WebJi support can say which web server your account uses.
| Method | Use it when |
|---|---|
| Redirection plugin | You can log in, and you want a log of misses |
| .htaccess | The server is Apache and you only have a few rules |
| Host ticket | The server is Nginx and you need a rule outside WordPress |
Do not send HTTPS visitors to HTTP
Do not add a redirect from https to http. Browsers mark the site as not secure, and a login form on http can expose the password. If a plugin created that rule, delete it and keep the certificate on.
A chain of three redirects wastes the crawl. Point the oldest URL straight at the final one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 301 redirect plugin for WordPress?
Use one maintained plugin, such as Redirection, if you want a log of 404s and you do not already have redirects inside your SEO plugin. Do not run two redirect plugins together.
How do I add a 301 redirect in WordPress?
Activate Redirection, open Tools then Redirection, enter the old path and the new URL, choose 301, and open the old URL in a private window.
Do 301 redirects work on Nginx?
An .htaccess rule does not. A plugin that WordPress runs itself does. A server-level rule has to be added by the host.
Should I redirect HTTPS to HTTP?
No. Keep visitors on HTTPS. A redirect the other way removes the lock and can expose a form.
Is WebJi® an Indian company?
Yes. WebJi® is headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan and has operated since 2005. Billing, support and governance all run from India.
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Every purchase and renewal gets a GST invoice with our GSTIN, and hosting prices are quoted exclusive of 18% GST. Claim input credit as applicable.