How to Create a URL Redirect on Shopify [2024]
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How to Create a URL Redirect on Shopify

Last modified: March 26, 2024

How to Create a URL Redirect on Shopify
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When you want to change a URL on your Shopify store, there might be some problems. Customers who regularly visit the page might get a 404 error when they try to enter the old URL. This can make them abandon your brand and website. Therefore, you want a way to get the customers to the new URL.

This is done by creating a URL redirect on your Shopify store.

Key Takeaways
1
Mastering URL redirects on Shopify enhances site navigation, SEO, and ensures a secure user experience.
2
Identifying and resolving redirect loops is key to maintaining seamless site functionality and optimal SEO health.
3
Correct setup and verification of redirects in Shopify are essential for smooth user transitions and search engine recognition.
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Why Would you want to Create a New URL?

There are many reasons why you might want to create a new URL for a particular page. One might be for SEO reasons. Perhaps you may need to change a Shopify domain or change a domain address entirely as part of rebranding or consolidating multiple stores. In such cases, keywords that are better suited for your page might need to be added to your page. Therefore, you will want to change the URL.

Or perhaps you’ve released a new version of a product/service and want those visiting the old one to visit the new one. You might also have realized there was a mistake in the old URL. Therefore, the new URL corrects the mistake.

By creating a new URL and then exporting URL redirects, you can keep the loyalty of your customers and not get too many 404 errors on your website when making Shopify advanced customizations like integrating third-party apps or custom code.

 

How to Create a URL Redirect

Here are the instructions on how you can create a URL redirect on your Shopify store.

Step 1 – Login

Login to your Shopify account.

Step 2 – Navigation

From the dashboard, click on the ‘Online Store’ and then click on the ‘Navigation Option’.

Step 3 – URL Redirect

In the settings page for the ‘Navigation’ area, there is a section that is listed as ‘URL Redirect’. This is under the page’s title of the page you will want to redirect. Click on this option.

Then you will be moved onto the setup interface that allows you to create the redirect. There should be a blue ‘Create URL Redirect’ button that is located here. Click on this to continue.

There are then two sections that you need to complete. The first is the URL that people are entering to access the old page and the new URL. Enter both of these very carefully. Ensure that you don’t miss out any aspects or get them wrong, otherwise you’ll miss the redirect or create another 404 error.

Just as a warning, some URLs cannot be redirected. These are those that have prefixes like /apps, /application, /cart, /carts, /orders, /shop or /services.

You should double-check that both URLs are properly working before you continue with this step.

Step 4 – Save

Next you need to click on the ‘Save Redirect’ for the process to be completed. Once this is done, anyone who tries to access the old URL will immediately be sent to the new URL. Most website guests won’t notice a thing, though load times might be fractionally slower.

Keep Reading

Understanding URL Redirects on Shopify

Types of Redirects

URL redirects on Shopify are essential for guiding traffic from one page to another. Understanding the difference between 301 (permanent) and 302 (temporary) redirects is crucial for effective site management.

Redirecting from HTTP to HTTPS

Migrating from HTTP to HTTPS is a significant step for Shopify store security and SEO. It involves selecting an SSL certificate and updating internal links to enhance site trustworthiness.

Handling Redirect Loops

Redirect loops, often caused by incorrect URL mapping, can hinder site functionality. Identifying and resolving these loops is vital for maintaining a seamless user experience and SEO health.

Practical Steps for Creating Redirects on Shopify

Initiating the Redirect Process

Creating a URL redirect starts in the Shopify admin panel. Navigate to the Online Store section, then to Navigation, to access the URL redirects option.

Setting Up Redirect Details

Specify the old URL in the ‘Redirect from’ field and the new destination in the ‘Redirect to’ field. Remember, redirects won’t work for URLs that are still active or have certain prefixes.

Saving and Verifying Redirects

After setting up the redirect, save the changes. It’s crucial to verify the redirect to ensure it functions correctly and enhances the user journey on your Shopify store.

Conclusion: How to Create a URL Redirect on Shopify

When you are creating a new URL for an old page, you need to ensure that guests who regularly use the old URL are redirected to the new URL. This can be done for free with Shopify. It allows you to ensure there are no 404 or 301 errors on your website. However, for a large store, it can be easy for some old URLs to be missed, which is why it might be useful to use an app, like this Broken Link Manager app.

FAQs
  • Can I create URL redirects for pages outside of Shopify?

    Shopify’s redirect functionality is designed for internal use only. For external pages, consider using third-party tools or server-side redirects and manage these through your domain host or a separate service.

  • How long does it take for a URL redirect to become active on Shopify?

    URL redirects on Shopify are typically active immediately. However, it may take a few minutes for some changes to propagate and occasionally there might be a short delay due to server response times.

  • Can I track the performance of my URL redirects on Shopify?

    Shopify doesn’t directly track redirect performance. Use external analytics tools like Google Analytics for detailed insights to monitor the effectiveness and traffic of your redirects.