The terms "rewrite" and "redirect" are two key concepts in the world of SEO and server configuration. They are very useful tools for redirecting website traffic from one URL to another, but it is important to know when to use each one correctly.
In this tutorial, you will learn what a rewrite is, what a redirect is, when and how to use them, and how to perform a 301 redirect. I will also teach you how to do this using the .htaccess file, a very powerful tool for handling redirects on an Apache web server.
What is a rewrite?
A rewrite is a redirection technique used to change the way a URL is displayed in the browser, without changing the page that is loaded or the content that is displayed. That is, you can redirect one URL to another without the user noticing.
This is particularly useful when you want to improve the readability of URLs, or when you need to redirect pages from an old site to a new one. It is also used to redirect URLs with parameters or extensions to more SEO-friendly URLs.
What is a redirect?
A redirect is a redirection technique used to send users and search engines from one URL to another. Unlike a rewrite, a redirect changes the URL that is displayed in the browser and also the page that is loaded.
There are different types of redirects you can use, but in this tutorial we will focus on the 301 redirect, which is the most common type and the most beneficial for SEO.
When to use a rewrite?
Rewrites are used when you want to change the way a URL is displayed in the browser without changing the content of the page. For example, if you have a long, confusing URL like "www.example.com/products.php?id=123", you can use a rewrite to redirect that URL to a more friendly, readable URL like "www.example.com/products/product-name".
You can also use a rewrite if you are migrating your website to a new platform and need to redirect old pages to new pages with different URLs.
When to use a redirect?
Redirect is used when you want to completely redirect users and search engines from one URL to another. This is useful when you have changed the structure of your website and need to redirect all old URLs to the new ones.
You can also use a redirect if you have multiple variants of a URL, such as "www.example.com" and "example.com", and you want to redirect them all to the main domain.
How to make a 301 redirect?
A 301 redirect is a type of permanent redirect that informs users and search engines that the original URL has been permanently replaced by a new URL. This is important for search engines to update their indexes and to maintain domain authority.
To make a 301 redirect on an Apache server using the .htaccess file, simply add the following line of code:
Redirect 301 /original-path /new-pathRemember to replace "/original-path" with the URL you want to redirect and "/new-path" with the new destination URL.
Conclusion
In short, both rewrite and redirect are important techniques in the world of SEO and server configuration. Rewrite is used to change the way a URL is displayed in the browser without changing the content of the page, while redirect is used to completely redirect users and search engines from one URL to another.
Remember to use the 301 redirect for permanent redirects and to help maintain domain authority. And if you're using an Apache server, you can use the .htaccess file to easily perform these redirects.
I hope you found this tutorial useful and it helps you understand when and how to use rewrites and redirects. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a rewrite and a redirect?
The main difference between a rewrite and a redirect is that a rewrite only changes the way a URL is displayed in the browser without changing the content of the page, while a redirect completely redirects users and search engines to a new URL.
When should I use a 301 redirect?
You should use a 301 redirect when you want to permanently redirect one URL to another. This is important for search engines to update their indexes and to maintain domain authority.
How can I do a 301 redirect on my Apache server?
To perform a 301 redirect on an Apache server using the .htaccess file, simply add the following line of code: "Redirect 301 /original-path /new-path". Remember to replace "/original-path" with the URL you want to redirect and "/new-path" with the new destination URL.
What is the .htaccess file?
The .htaccess file is a configuration file used on Apache web servers. It allows you to make changes to the server configuration and control aspects such as URL redirects, user authentication, and other advanced functionality.
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