How to use URL redirects in Squarespace?

@laverna_hirthe 

URL redirects in Squarespace are useful for directing visitors from outdated URLs to current pages, helping maintain traffic and improve SEO. Here's how you can set them up:

Using URL Mappings

1. Accessing the URL Mappings: Log in to your Squarespace account. In your site's dashboard, go to Settings. Click on Advanced and then choose URL Mappings.
2. Creating a Redirect: In the URL Mappings text box, you'll enter your redirects in the following format: /old-url -> /new-url 301 Replace /old-url with the path you want to redirect from, and /new-url with the new destination path. The 301 at the end indicates a permanent redirect, which is good for SEO.
3. Different Types of Redirects: Permanent Redirect (301): Use this when the old URL will no longer be used and you want to transfer SEO value to the new URL. Temporary Redirect (302): Use this if you plan to revert back to the original URL at some point.
4. Mapping Multiple URLs: You can map multiple URLs by entering each redirect on a new line in the URL Mappings box. Use the same format: /old-url -> /new-url 301.
5. Using Wildcard Redirects: Squarespace supports wildcard redirects if you need to redirect multiple pages following the same pattern. Use an asterisk (*) as a wildcard. For example: /blog/* -> /new-blog 301
6. Saving Your Changes: Once you've entered all the necessary redirects, click Save.

Tips for URL Redirects

• Make sure to test your redirects after saving to ensure they work as expected.
• Avoid chaining redirects (redirecting one URL to another redirect). This can slow down loading and negatively impact SEO.
• Regularly review and update your redirects as you make changes to your site structure or content.

By setting up URL redirects correctly, you help guide your visitors the right way while boosting your site's performance in search engines.