Squarespace URL Redirection Setup Guide
TL;DR:
- 301 redirects are for permanent page moves and transfer SEO value
- 302 redirects are for temporary moves and keep SEO value on the original URL
- You can't redirect image files or your homepage
- Redirects must follow exact formatting:
/old-url -> /new-url 301 - Set up redirects in the URL Mappings panel under Developer tools
- Order matters – specific redirects go above general ones
URL redirects help you point visitors and search engines from old URLs to new ones. This keeps your SEO rankings intact and prevents visitors from hitting dead links when you change your site structure.
What Are URL Redirects?
URL redirects automatically send people from one web address to another. When you change page URLs, delete pages, or restructure your site, redirects ensure visitors and search engines can still find your content.
Without redirects, old bookmarks and search results lead to 404 error pages. This hurts your SEO and frustrates visitors.
Setting Up Redirects in Squarespace
You'll find URL redirects in the URL Mappings panel under Developer tools in your Squarespace dashboard.
Permanent Redirects (301)
Use 301 redirects when a page has permanently moved to a new URL. This tells search engines to transfer the SEO value from the old URL to the new one.
Use 301 redirects for:
- Changed page URLs in your site settings
- Deleted pages that should point to your homepage or other relevant pages
- Content that's moved permanently to a new location
Temporary Redirects (302)
Use 302 redirects for temporary moves where you plan to use the original URL again later. Search engines keep the SEO value on the original URL instead of transferring it.
Use 302 redirects for:
- Seasonal pages that temporarily show different content
- Pages temporarily closed for updates
Formatting Your Redirects Correctly
Redirects must follow this exact format:
/old-url -> /new-url 301
For collection pages with multiple items, use variable tags:
/blog/[name] -> /posts/[name] 301
The system reads redirects from top to bottom, so put specific redirects above general ones to avoid conflicts.
Important Limitations
What you can't redirect:
- Your homepage or root domain
- Image URLs or file URLs (these are managed by Squarespace's CDN)
- Pages that are still active (disable or delete the original page first)
Technical limits:
- Maximum of about 2500 redirect lines per site
- Redirects only work if the original pages are disabled or deleted
Common Redirect Scenarios
Changing a page slug:
/about-us -> /about 301
Redirecting a deleted page to homepage:
/old-services -> / 301
Moving blog posts to a new structure:
/blog/[slug] -> /articles/[slug] 301
FAQs
What if I see an error message when setting up redirects?
Check your syntax. Make sure you're using the correct arrow format (->) and include the redirect type number (301 or 302).
Can I redirect my homepage?
No, you cannot redirect from the root domain as it's reserved for your main site landing page.
Why can't I redirect image or file URLs?
Images and files are served through Squarespace's Content Delivery Network (CDN), which handles these URLs separately from your site's URL mappings.
Do I need to delete the original page?
Yes, redirects only work when the original page is disabled or deleted. If the original page is still active, visitors will see that page instead of being redirected.
Jargon Buster
301 Redirect: Tells browsers and search engines that a page has permanently moved to a new location and transfers SEO value.
302 Redirect: Temporarily directs traffic to another URL without transferring SEO rankings.
URL Mapping: The settings area in Squarespace where you configure redirects.
CDN (Content Delivery Network): A network of servers that delivers content faster by using the server closest to each visitor.
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation): Techniques used to help websites rank higher in search results.
Wrap-up
URL redirects are essential for maintaining your site's SEO and user experience when you make structural changes. Use 301 redirects for permanent moves and 302 redirects for temporary ones. Remember to format them correctly, put specific redirects before general ones, and regularly review your URL mappings to keep them tidy.
The key is planning ahead. Before you delete pages or change URLs, set up your redirects to ensure a smooth transition for both visitors and search engines.
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