Question: How do you implement a 301 redirect in Squarespace?

Implementing a 301 redirect in Squarespace is crucial for maintaining SEO performance when URLs change or when moving content. A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect from one URL to another, helping to ensure that users and search engines are directed to the correct page. It also helps preserve your search engine rankings by passing along the original URL's credit to the new URL.

Steps to Set Up a 301 Redirect in Squarespace

1. Log in to your Squarespace account: Start by logging into your Squarespace dashboard.

2. Access the Advanced Settings:

   • Navigate to 'Settings' in the Home Menu.
   • Click on 'Advanced', and then select 'URL Mappings'.

3. Format Your 301 Redirect:

   • In the URL Mappings box, you'll enter your redirect code in the following format:

     /old-url -> /new-url 301
     

   • /old-url is the old path you’re redirecting from (relative to the root).
   • /new-url is the destination where this URL will now point.
   • 301 is the status code that tells browsers and search engines that this is a permanent redirect.

4. Save Your Changes:

   • After entering all your redirects, click ‘Save’ at the top of the panel.

5. Test Your Redirects:

   • Once saved, test your URLs to ensure they redirect correctly.

Important Tips

• Use Relative URLs: When setting up redirects in Squarespace, use relative URLs (omit the 'http://www.' part and any domain name) to avoid errors.
• Check Regularly: Always check your redirects after implementation and periodically thereafter to ensure they function as expected.
• Avoid Redirect Chains: Try to redirect directly to the final URL rather than having multiple sequential redirects, which can slow down the site and negatively impact SEO.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage 301 redirects in Squarespace, aiding in site organization, user experience improvement, and SEO optimization.