URL mapping is a crucial tool for managing website redirects, helping visitors find the right content and maintaining SEO value. Here's how to effectively use URL mapping in Squarespace:

Understanding Redirects

301 Redirect (Permanent):

• Indicates permanent page relocation
• Transfers search engine ranking to new page
• Use when: changing URLs, deleting pages, or moving to new domains
• Original URL must not exist, new URL must be active

302 Redirect (Temporary):

• Indicates temporary page relocation
• Maintains original page's search ranking
• Use for: seasonal changes, temporary updates, or rotating content
• Ideal for stores or services with changing offerings

Creating Redirects

Basic Format:

/old-url -> /new-url 301

For Collection Pages (blogs, products, events):

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

Key Requirements:

• Use exact URL capitalization
• Avoid special characters (?, &, #)
• Stay within 400KB limit (approximately 2,500 redirects)
• Remove invalid redirects regularly

Common Use Cases

1. Page URL Change:

/about -> /team 301

2. Deleted Page to Homepage:

/old-page -> / 301

3. External Domain Redirect:

/page -> https://external-domain.com 301

4. Seasonal Content:

/summer-sale -> /fall-sale 302

Troubleshooting

Common Errors:

• Missing arrow (->) or redirect type
• Invalid redirect type (must be 301 or 302)
• Redirecting to inactive pages
• Multiple redirects within 2 minutes

Best Practices:

• Place specific redirects above general ones
• Delete or disable original pages before redirecting
• Regularly review and clean up redirect list
• Test redirects after implementation

URL mapping helps maintain site functionality during changes while preserving SEO value and user experience.

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