There are a few kinds of redirect, and each is set up in a different place.
301 or 302?
- A 301 (permanent) redirect tells search engines the new address replaces the old one, so your rankings move across. Use it in almost every case.
- A 302 (temporary) redirect says the move is short-term, so search engines keep the old address. Use it only for a short change, such as while a page is being rebuilt.
Another domain to your website
If you own a second domain (a common misspelling or an old brand name, say) and want it to open your site:
- At your registrar: most registrars offer domain forwarding. Choose the second domain, set the destination to your site's full address (for example
https://www.example.com) and pick a permanent (301) redirect. - Through GUDHOST: if your registrar doesn't offer forwarding, contact support with both domain names and we'll help you set it up.
Old pages to new pages
When you move or rename a page, redirect its old address so links and search results keep working. Install a redirect plugin such as Redirection from your WordPress dashboard (Plugins → Add Plugin), then add each old address and its new destination as a 301 redirect. Many SEO plugins include a redirect manager too.
www or no www
Both @ and www point to your site, and your site uses one of them as its main address. Visitors who type the other one are sent to the main address. If you'd like to switch which version is the main one, contact support and we'll change it safely; changing your site's address in WordPress by hand can lock you out of your dashboard.
HTTPS
Every plan includes a free SSL certificate. If your site still opens on http:// instead of https:// once your domain points to GUDHOST, contact support and we'll check it.