How to Master Redirects in Squarespace

Ah, redirects—the unsung heroes of website navigation! If you’re running a Squarespace site and need to send visitors from one URL to another, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the world of redirects and turn you into a traffic-directing maestro.

1. Log in and Locate

First things first, log into your Squarespace account and navigate to the Home Menu. Look for “Settings,” then click on “Developer Tools.” Scroll down until you spot “URL Mappings.” This is where the magic happens!

2. Understand the Syntax

Before we start redirecting traffic like a digital traffic cop, let’s break down the syntax:

/your-old-url -> /your-new-url

It’s that simple! The arrow (->) is your traffic signal, telling Squarespace where to send your visitors.

3. Types of Redirects

• 301 (Permanent): The cool kids of redirects. Use these for permanent moves.

Syntax: /your-old-url -> /yournew-url 301

• 302 (Temporary): The vacation homes of URLs. Perfect for short-term changes.

Syntax: /your-old-url -> /your-new-url 302

4. Getting Fancy with Wildcards

Want to redirect an entire section of your site? Enter the wildcard

():/old-section/ -> /new-section/$1

The $1 tells Squarespace to keep whatever comes after the wildcard. Neat, huh?

5. External Redirects

Sending visitors off-site? No problem!

/leaving-so-soon -> https://colorlib-external-site.com

6. Save and Test

Once you’ve added your redirects, hit that “Save” button. Then, put on your detective hat and test each redirect to ensure they’re working correctly.

7. Monitor and Adjust

Keep an eye on your analytics. Are people following your new paths? If not, you might need to tweak your redirects or update internal links.

Pro Tips:

• Keep a log of your redirects. Future you will thank present you.
• Use descriptive URLs. Both search engines and humans appreciate clarity.
• Don’t create redirect chains. It’s not a game of URL hopscotch!

Congratulations! You’re now a Squarespace redirect virtuoso. Go forth and guide your traffic with confidence. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility—use your newfound skills wisely!