Understanding Squarespace URL Mapping: Redirecting Blog Posts and Affiliate Links
Squarespace URL mapping, also known as link forwarding, is a powerful feature that allows users to redirect traffic from one URL to another. This capability is particularly useful when managing blog posts or external affiliate websites. In this article, we will explore two key scenarios for Squarespace URL mapping: redirecting deleted blog posts and forwarding traffic to external affiliate sites.
Scenario 1: Squarespace 301 Redirect for a Deleted Blog Posts
When you delete a blog post, it’s essential to guide your audience to relevant content. A 301 redirect is a permanent solution that helps maintain your website's SEO value by directing users from an outdated URL to a new one.
Steps to Set Up a 301 Redirect
Delete or Disable the Old Page: To initiate a successful redirect, you need to delete the old blog post. Note that while you can disable main pages, item pages like individual blog posts cannot be disabled.
Access URL Mappings: Go to your Squarespace dashboard, click on Settings, scroll down to Developer Tools, and select URL Mappings.
Input the Old URL: Paste the URL of the deleted blog post. For instance, if your deleted post was part of a blog page, ensure you have created a new blog page to house the relevant content.
Format the Redirect: Type the old URL followed by a space, then the dash arrow [->], another space, and finally, the new URL. Add another space and specify 301 for a permanent redirect or 302 for a temporary redirect.
Remove Domain Text: Eliminate the domain part (including https) from both URLs, unless you are redirecting to an external site.
Save Your Changes: Click the Save button to finalize your URL redirect. The changes take effect almost instantly.
Test the Redirect: Paste the old URL into your browser to confirm that it redirects to the new URL seamlessly.
Common Question: Is it Necessary to Delete the Previous Link Before Setting Up a Redirect?
Answer: No, it’s not strictly necessary to delete the old link before setting up the redirect. You can remove it either before or after the URL mapping setup. However, you must ensure that the old link is eventually deleted to avoid confusion.
Scenario 2: Squarespace Redirect for Affiliate Links
Redirecting to an external affiliate link is another effective use of Squarespace URL mapping. This ensures that users are directed to the correct external page while maintaining a clean and trustable URL on your website.
Steps to Redirect an Affiliate Link
Please follow the following easy steps.
Generate affiliate link. For example, I created this affiliate link → [https://www.anrdoezrs.net/ks82hz74z6MONNWUVNNUMOSUQSSRN] from CJ, for this page → [https://www.movavi.com/] of advertiser (Movavi) website. You can watch this video for the method to create affiliate link in CJ.
Now decide a display webpage on your Squarespace website for redirection. For example, I decided this page → [https://www.dozro.com/movavi]. Whenever, a visitor will hover over this affiliate link on my website, browser will display this clean and trustworthy link at the bottom left of the computer screen, but when the user will actually click on this display link, browser will open this page → [https://www.movavi.com/] of the advertiser website. Please note that I have not actually created this display page → [https://www.dozro.com/movavi] on my website. If you have already created such page, you must delete it.
In your Squarespace website, navigate to → Settings → Developer Tools → URL Mappings.
On URL Mappings page, enter the links in proper format. For example, in this instance, I entered /movavi -> https://www.anrdoezrs.net/ks82hz74z6MONNWUVNNUMOSUQSSRN 301
Click Save and test the link. It should be working.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Set Up Squarespace Domain Forwarding?
To set up Squarespace domain forwarding, navigate to your domain settings in Squarespace, select your domain, and choose the forwarding option. Enter the destination URL you want to forward your domain to, and save your changes.
What is the Difference Between Squarespace 301 Redirect and 302 Redirect?
A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that informs search engines that the old URL has been moved permanently to a new location. A 302 redirect, on the other hand, is a temporary redirect, indicating that the original URL will return in the future.
Can I Use Squarespace Redirects for Non-Blog Pages?
Yes, Squarespace redirects can be used for any type of page, including product pages, service pages, and external links. The process is the same regardless of the page type.
What are Squarespace Link Mapping and Redirect Links?
Squarespace link mapping refers to the process of setting up redirects between URLs within your site or to external sites. Redirect links are the actual new URLs where users will be directed after clicking on the original link.
Incorporating effective Squarespace redirects is crucial for maintaining user experience and SEO. By understanding and utilizing Squarespace URL mapping, you can enhance your website’s functionality and keep your audience engaged with the most relevant content.
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