A 404 error is a status code that is returned when a webpage or resource is not found on a server. A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that is used to send users and search engines to a different URL than the one they originally requested.
A 404 to 301 redirect is a process in which a 404 error page is redirected to a different URL using a 301 redirect. This can be used to help improve the user experience by directing users to a relevant page if the original page they requested no longer exists or has been moved. It can also help to preserve the search engine rankings of the original page by passing on some of the link equity to the redirected page.
How does the plugin help?
This plugin allows you to redirect these 404 errors to a custom URL of your choice, such as the homepage or a similar page.
The plugin also includes a log that keeps track of all 404 errors that have occurred on your site, which can help you identify broken links or missing pages. Additionally, it includes an option to notify you via email when a 404 error occurs, so you can quickly address the issue.
The plugin is useful for website owners who want to keep their website error-free and improve user experience by redirecting 404 errors to relevant pages. It is also helpful for SEO purposes as it prevents 404 errors to be indexed by search engines.
How to use the plugin?
The plugin can be downloaded for free from the WordPress repository: https://wordpress.org/plugins/404-to-301/
Once you install and activate the plugin, you can access the same from WP Dashboard >> 401 to 301. It will show up the 404 error logs.
You can configure the plugin as per your need at WP Dashboard>> 401 to 301 >> 404 Settings. You can choose to find the following options under the Settings page.
Redirect Type
You can choose how the broken URL should be redirected to a new URL. There are several types of redirects, each with a specific purpose and use case. The plugin allows you to configure
- 301 redirect: A permanent redirect, indicating that the original URL has been permanently moved to a new location. This type of redirect is the best for SEO and preserving link juice.
- 302 redirect: A temporary redirect, indicating that the original URL has been temporarily moved to a new location. This type of redirect is not recommended for SEO.
- 307 redirect: A temporary redirect that preserves the HTTP method used in the original request.
Redirect to
You have three options to choose from for how the redirection should work.
- Existing page: This option allows you to choose a WordPress page which is already published.
- Custom URL: This option helps you to configure the redirection to a custom URL.
- No redirect: Choose this option if you want to disable redirection.
You can override this by setting for individual broken URLs from the 404 error logs list at WP Dashboard >> 404 to 301.
Log 404 Errors
Enable this option to log the 404 errors.
Email notifications
If this is selected, an email notification will be sent to the admin email account every time a 404 log is recorded.
Disable URL guessing
By disabling URL guessing, WordPress will no longer automatically correct incorrect URLs.
Email address
You can change the recipient of the notification email here if desired.
Exclude paths
You can exclude certain paths from the error logs by entering them here, with one path per line.
Being vigilant about removing 404 errors is crucial for the overall health of your website. The 404 to 301 plugin can assist in resolving these errors and enhance your SEO performance. If you liked using this plugin, please give them a rating here: https://wordpress.org/plugins/404-to-301/#reviews
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