
Shopify URL redirects can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. You can create up to 100 redirects in Shopify, which should be enough for most stores.
To set up a redirect, you'll need to go to your Shopify admin, click on "Online Store", and then select "Preferences." From there, you can click on "URL Redirects" to get started.
Shopify URL redirects are case-sensitive, so make sure you're entering the exact URLs you want to redirect. This means that "example.com" and "Example.com" would be treated as two different URLs.
A common use for URL redirects is to redirect old product URLs to new ones, especially if you've changed your product structure or moved products to a different section of your store.
For your interest: Accounts Google Com Redirected You Too Many Times
Creating and Managing Redirects
Creating and managing redirects in Shopify can be a breeze. Generally, Shopify makes it easy to create a few redirects manually.
To create a URL redirect, log in to your Shopify admin panel and head to Navigation. Click on View URL redirects.
Suggestion: Webflow Redirect
You can manage your redirects in bulk using the import/export tool native to Shopify or through an app, but for a few redirects, creating them manually is a good option.
To create a URL redirect manually, you only need to paste the URL's path, not the entire URL. For example, you can enter "product/leather-anchor".
After creating your URL redirect, remember that any changes you make to existing redirect rules could take some time for Google to notice and catalog.
To edit or filter your redirects, you can use the options provided in the URL redirects section of your Shopify admin panel.
Understanding Redirects
To make a 301 redirect in Shopify, you'll need to log in to your admin panel and head to the Navigation section.
You'll see two options to manage your URLs: Import URL redirects and Create URL redirects.
To create a URL redirect, you'll need to paste the URL's path, not the entire URL. For example, you can enter "product/leather-anchor".
You can enter the full URL if your Shopify redirects to an external URL.
To save your URL redirect, click on the "Save redirect" button.
Types of Redirects
There are two main types of URL redirects: Permanent (301) and Temporary (302). A Permanent redirect tells search engines that a page has been moved for good, preserving your rankings and passing link equity to the new URL.
The type of redirect you choose is crucial, as it affects how search engines and buyers are directed to your new Shopify page. For example, a Temporary redirect might be used for testing a new page or seasonal promotion.
Shopify only allows Permanent (301) redirects, which is the best way to ensure a smooth transition for your online store.
Intriguing read: Search Engine Optimisation Shopify
301 vs 302
301 redirects signal to search engines that the old URL is gone for good, transferring all SEO value to the new one. This is the type of redirect you want to use when making permanent changes to your website.
Shopify only allows 301 redirects, which is a good thing, as it helps maintain SEO strength and avoids confusion caused by temporary redirects.
Intriguing read: 301 Redirect Url
There are two types of redirects: 301 and 302. Here's a breakdown of what each does:
In the context of Shopify, 301 redirects are used for permanent changes, while 302 redirects are meant for temporary changes. This is reflected in the way Shopify handles redirects, where 301 redirects are used to transfer SEO value and 302 redirects are used for temporary changes.
Types of
There are two main types of URL redirects: 301 and 302. A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that tells search engines a page has been moved to a new location forever. This preserves your rankings and is the best way to ensure buyers and search engines are directed to your new Shopify page.
A 302 redirect is temporary and is used when you only want to redirect a web page temporarily, such as during a seasonal promotion. However, search engines may treat a 302 redirect as a temporary solution, which means it doesn't pass along link equity to the new URL.
Shopify only allows permanent (301) redirects, so it's essential to use this type to ensure your redirects are effective.
Check this out: Page with Redirect Google Search Console
Troubleshooting Redirects
Troubleshooting Redirects can be a frustrating experience, but don't worry, I've got you covered. First, make sure everything is spelled correctly, as a single typo can break your Shopify redirect.
You also want to double-check the to and from fields to ensure they're correct and not swapped. If the page you're redirecting from is deleted, it's serving a 404 error, and you might need to revert it to a draft.
Here's a quick checklist to help you troubleshoot:
- Is everything spelled correctly?
- Are the to and from fields correct — not swapped?
- Is the page you’re redirecting from deleted (serving a 404 error)?
Clearing your cache can also help, as it can take time for 301 redirects to populate in Shopify. Simply go to your browser tools, click the option to clear browsing data, and you're good to go!
What If It Isn't Working?
If your Shopify redirects aren't working, it can be frustrating. Make sure everything is spelled correctly.
Incorrect URLs can cause redirects to fail. This is a common issue, so double-check your source and target URLs.
Clearing your browser cache can also resolve the issue. Sometimes it takes time for 301 redirects to populate in Shopify.
If you've recently made changes to a page, it might be serving a 404 error. Try reverting the page to a draft or deleting it to resolve the issue.
Here are some common reasons why Shopify redirects might not be working:
If you've checked all of these things and the redirect is still not working, don't worry. Reaching out to Shopify support can help resolve the issue.
Common Errors to Avoid
Redirect errors can be frustrating, but understanding the common mistakes can help you avoid them. A redirect chain that's too long is a major issue, slowing down your store and making it difficult for search engines to crawl.
This can happen when there are multiple redirects in a chain, such as from page A to B, then to C, and so on. A redirect loop is another error that occurs when a visitor is continuously being redirected back and forth among multiple pages.
A unique perspective: Aws S3 Access Denied When Open Object Url in Browser
The max URL length is 2048 characters, so if a URL exceeds this limit, the redirect will fail, and the visitor will see an error message.
Invalid or non-existent redirect target URLs are also a problem, causing errors when attempting to access the page. This can happen if the URL is not in the proper format or doesn't exist on the server.
A redirect can also be implemented incorrectly, causing issues with the browser, such as difficulty loading the page or errors. This can happen due to mistakes in the redirect code, like incorrect syntax or variables.
Here are some common redirect errors to avoid:
- The redirect chain is too long
- Redirect loop
- The redirect URL has exceeded the max URL length of 2048 characters
- The redirect target URL is invalid or non-existent
- The redirect is not implemented correctly
- The redirect URL is not a secure URL
Setting Up and Configuring Redirects
To set up and configure redirects on Shopify, you need to log in to your admin panel and head to Navigation. Click on View URL redirects to see the options to manage your URLs.
You can create individual URL redirects directly from the admin dashboard by clicking on "Create URL Redirect" at the top right of the page. Enter the old URL path and the new URL, and click Save to create the redirect.
Suggestion: Wp Admin Url
Shopify automatically creates URL redirects if you're changing your product page or collection page URL handle and check the box next to "Create a URL redirect for." This way, your old URL will be redirected to the new one.
However, if you want to create automatic redirects from broken URLs to avoid dead ends on your Shopify store, you can use an app like TinyIMG. It will scan your store for broken links and redirect them to your chosen URL, usually your homepage.
You can also create redirects manually by following these steps: click on View URL Redirects, update the screen according to the instructions, and include only the page path in the "redirect from" field. If the "redirect to" is outside of your Shopify site, use the full URL.
Some restrictions apply when creating redirects within Shopify. You can't redirect URLs that begin with the following prefixes: /apps, /application, /cart, /carts, /orders, /shop, or /services.
Here are the common scenarios where setting up redirects becomes necessary:
- Removing products or collections from your Shopify store
- Migrating from another platform
- Updating URL structures or product names
- Changing the domain of your store
By following these steps and understanding the common scenarios where redirects are necessary, you can effectively manage all your redirects and maintain your store's SEO value, ensure a smooth user experience, and keep traffic flowing to the right places.
Redirects and SEO
Redirects can affect SEO, and usually positively, by eliminating broken links and 404 errors that can erode Google's trust in your website and your customers.
Redirects can help provide a smooth experience for users by directing them to the right page, reducing bounce rates and improving a store's rankings in search engines.
There are two types of redirects, 301 and 302, but Shopify redirects are assumed to be 301, indicating that the old URL was moved permanently and passes its value to the new one.
301 redirects impact your SEO, but there are more elements to consider when doing a technical SEO audit. A proper Shopify SEO audit can help you identify what's hindering your store's performance and take action to improve your ranking.
Redirects offer several benefits, including reducing bounce rates, retaining page rank, avoiding duplicate content issues, and providing a seamless user experience.
Here are the pros of redirects:
- Redirects help provide a smooth experience for users by directing them to the right page.
- Redirects can retain the page rank of important pages by passing on link equity to the redirected pages.
- Redirects can help avoid penalization from search engines for duplicate content issues.
- Redirects work by sending an HTTP status code to the browser, which then fetches the new URL specified in the redirect.
However, too many redirects can slow down your site, and incorrect redirects can confuse search engines and hurt your SEO.
Advanced Redirect Management
Redirects can affect SEO, yes, usually positively, by fixing broken links and 404 errors that can erode Google's trust in your website.
To manage Shopify redirects effectively, you can use Shopify's built-in tools and redirect Apps. These tools allow you to filter, edit, and keep your redirects organized.
Shopify's built-in tools are fairly straightforward, but they won't cut it for advanced customization or large-scale import and export. That's where LitExtension comes in, offering an Automated package for DIY redirects and an All-in-One package with free 301 redirects.
A key thing to note is that using Liquid code for redirects is generally discouraged due to its complexity and potential SEO issues.
To preserve SEO value, always use 301 redirects for permanent URL changes. Understand the difference between 301 and 302 redirects, as they serve different purposes.
Shopify's admin interface and functionality are subject to updates, so double-check navigation and options to ensure you're using the latest features.
Here are some common reasons why Shopify URL redirects may not be working:
- Check if there are any typos in the redirect from and redirect to path
- Make sure the redirect from URL is not active
- Check if the redirects are not the URLs that Shopify restricts (e.g., /apps, /application, /cart, /carts, /orders, or /services)
- You can’t redirect to URLs that use fixed Shopify paths like /products, /collections, /collections/all
Lastly, clear your browsing cache and check from another device if your URL redirects are working as expected.
Redirects in Shopify
Redirects in Shopify can be a bit tricky, but understanding the basics can save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
Redirects can affect SEO, yes, but usually positively. If you have a lot of broken links and 404 errors, it can erode Google's trust in your website, as well as your customers.
You'll want to implement 301 redirects on your website when you want to fix something that would otherwise interrupt the customer's experience, such as a page with no content or an outdated offer.
Here are some common scenarios where you might need redirects in your Shopify store:
- When you remove a page, typically a product or category, from your site.
- When a page is no longer up-to-date, such as a time-based offer you aren't going to run again.
- When you change the URL of a page.
- When you change the domain of your store.
The redirect limit on Shopify is 100,000 URL redirects per store, but if you have a Shopify Plus plan, you can redirect up to 20,000,000 URL redirects.
Filter
Filtering redirects in Shopify can be a breeze. You can easily filter redirects by what's in the URL using the search bar.
To filter by date, head to the "Navigation" section and select "Date added" from the dropdown menu. This will allow you to pick the time frame you want to narrow down your redirects by.
You can also filter redirects by date, which is super helpful if you have a lot of data to sift through. Just select the time frame you want and you'll be left with only the relevant redirects.
If you need to filter Shopify URLs by date for a bulk edit, you'll need to re-upload the CSV file.
Delete Store
Deleting a Shopify store is a straightforward process. To start, you'll need to go to your Shopify admin panel and click on the "Settings" icon.
You can't delete a Shopify store directly, but you can delete its redirects. To do this, select all redirects you wish to remove and click the popup box that appears at the bottom “Delete selected redirects”.
You might enjoy: Save Link to Google Drive
When to Use in Store
You want to know when to use redirects in your Shopify store? Well, here are some common scenarios where they come in handy.
When you remove a page, like a product or category, from your site, it's a good idea to redirect it to the most related live product category. This keeps your customers from hitting a 404 error page.
Updating product or page URLs is another situation where redirects are necessary. You want to ensure anyone heading to the old URL gets smoothly sent to the updated one.
If you're managing out-of-stock or discontinued products, setting the redirects to guide customers to similar products or a broader category page is a good idea.
Here are some specific situations where redirects are crucial:
- Removing products or collections: visitors may still attempt to visit these pages via direct links, bookmarks, or search engine results.
- Migrating from another platform: setting up redirects ensures that any inbound traffic from old links is not lost and continues to flow seamlessly to your new Shopify store.
- Updating URL structures or product names: changing URLs or product names requires redirects to ensure that any old links continue to work.
These scenarios highlight the importance of redirects in maintaining your eCommerce shop's visibility and ensuring a smooth customer experience.
Redirect Entire Domain
Redirecting your entire Shopify store domain can be a bit tricky, but it's doable. You can set up geo-located domain redirection, but Google recommends against auto-redirection because it can limit your store's visibility.
If this caught your attention, see: Domain Url Redirect
To change your primary domain, you'll need to go through Shopify's domain switch process. This is a one-time thing, and it'll allow you to use a custom domain instead of the default Shopify domain.
However, for domain-wide redirects, it's generally best to execute server-side redirects with the help of a backend developer. This will give you more control over the redirect process and ensure that it's done correctly.
Here are some instances where you might want to redirect your entire domain:
- Preserve traffic and customers after changing your website's domain name
- Combine multiple pages with similar products
- Test new designs before making permanent changes
- Redirect visitors to a related product page when a page is removed or its location changes
- Consolidate multiple domains into one
What Is the Limit?
The redirect limit on Shopify is a crucial thing to know. There's a limit of 100,000 URL redirects per store, which might seem like a lot, but it can add up quickly.
To give you a better idea, here are some examples of when you might need to use a lot of redirects:
- If you have a large number of products and need to update their URLs, you'll want to make sure you're not going over the limit.
- If you're rebranding or changing your domain, you'll need to set up redirects for all of your old URLs.
The good news is that if you have a Shopify Plus plan, you can redirect up to 20,000,000 URL redirects, which is a lot more than the standard limit.
Export
Exporting Shopify redirects is a straightforward process. To start, head to the "Navigation" section and select "View URL redirects".
Once you're on the URL Redirects page, you'll find the "Export" button in the top right corner. Clicking this button will open a popup window.
In the popup window, choose "All redirects" under the options. This will export all your redirects at once. For "Export as", select CSV if you'll be using Numbers, Excel, or a similar spreadsheet program.
Click "Export redirects" and Shopify will send you an email with a link to download your CSV file.
Professional App
Using a professional redirect app can make a big difference in managing your Shopify store's URLs. Broken Link Redirect is a top-rated option that can help you redirect URLs effortlessly.
You can auto-scan all broken links on your store with this app, making it easy to identify and fix issues. Regular email updates about broken links keep you informed and on top of the problem.
Discover more: Shopify App Nextjs
The app also provides live redirect suggestions, which can be a huge time-saver. You can track views of your 404 error pages to see which links are causing the most issues.
Here are some of the key features of Broken Link Redirect:
- Auto-scan all broken links on your store
- Regular email updates about broken links
- Live redirect suggestions
- Track views of your 404 error pages
- Automate bulk URL redirects
- Support manual creation of URL redirects
Exporting your URL redirects is also a breeze with this app, and you can import and filter your redirects as needed.
Featured Images: pexels.com


