URL redirects send visitors from inactive pages to active ones, using either permanent (301) or temporary (302) redirects. Here's how to effectively manage URL mapping on your site:

301 vs 302 Redirects

301 Redirects (Permanent):

• Transfers search engine ranking from old to new page
• Use when permanently changing URLs, deleting pages, or moving to different domains
• Original URL must no longer exist

302 Redirects (Temporary):

• Maintains original page's search ranking
• Use for seasonal changes or temporary page updates
• Original page retains its SEO value

Creating Redirects

1. Access URL Mappings in Developer Tools
2. Add redirects using proper format:

• Old URL
• Arrow symbol (->)
• New URL
• Redirect type (301 or 302)

Example format:

/old-url->/new-url 301

For collection pages (blogs, products, events):

/old-blog/[name]->/new-blog/[name] 301

Important Considerations:

• Limited to 2500 redirect lines (400kb)
• Higher redirects take priority
• Source page must be deleted or disabled
• Only works with integrated custom domains
• Cannot redirect image/file URLs
• Cannot redirect away from homepage (/)

Common Use Cases

301 Redirects:

• Changed page URLs
• Deleted pages
• Imported content
• Domain changes

302 Redirects:

• Seasonal content
• Temporary page updates
• Rotating promotional pages

Troubleshooting

Common errors:

• "Invalid mapping: Not enough parts" - Missing arrow or redirect type
• "Invalid mapping: Too many parts" - Unnecessary elements included
• "Invalid mapping: Expected 301 or 302" - Incorrect redirect type
• 404 errors - Check for multiple redirects within 2 minutes or disabled target pages

Remember to maintain clean, properly formatted redirects and regularly remove inactive ones to keep your URL mapping manageable.

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