How to Use a 301 Redirect

If you've moved your website, you need to put in a code that allows returning visitors to find you. Without this valuable step, your previous visitors won't be able to find their way to your new site. You could lose valuable customers or readers. Follow these steps to find out how to keep them with a 301 redirect.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer

1. Get in the know. Learn about doing a 301 redirect is, or using a file that you make to redirect your visitors to your new Web site. It's simple once you get the hang of it.
2. Create an ".htaccess" file, which is the first step in redirecting your site's traffic. Open up Notepad to make this file.
3. Save the ".htaccess" file. Make sure you click "File and Save." Just type ".htaccess" in the file name box.
4. Write and use the code. In the file, you'll need to type this code: "redirect 301 /oldpage/oldpage.htm http://www.newpage.com/new.htm". It's vital that you type this in correctly. Include your old URL where "/oldpage/oldpage.htm" is; put your new URL where "http://www.newpage.com/new.htm" is.
5. Save again. The worst thing to do is work long and hard on a long string of html and lose your work. Save often.
6. Upload this to the root of your page. Just upload the file to the same place where you upload your other pages and files.
7. Check your work. If you go to your old website and it sends you the new one, it works. If not, repeat Steps 3 through 6 again.

Tips & Warnings

• If you already have an ".htaccess" file saved to your server, then you can save some steps. Just find it, open it and edit it to the new information. You will just place the new line below it. Then follow Steps 5 and 6 again.
• Check the HTML very carefully. With one missing letter, the code will fail.