URLs have permanent redirect

Understanding Permanent Redirects and Their Impact

A permanent redirect, known as a 301 redirect, transfers users and about 80% of SEO value from an old URL to a new one. Redirects are necessary for managing page changes, but relying on them for internal links can hinder your website's efficiency.

Identifying Redirect Issues in SEMrush

SEMrush audits flag URL redirect issues to help optimize your website. In the audit dashboard, you’ll find three columns:

• The source page: The page containing the outdated link.

• The redirected URL: The intermediate link redirecting users.

• The final destination URL: The correct URL you should link to directly.

Fixing Redirect Issues

To fix these issues, follow these steps:

1. Locate the flagged page (source page) in SEMrush.

2. Update the link to bypass the redirected URL and point directly to the destination URL.

3. If the redirect occurs in the navigation menu, fix the navigation link to eliminate multiple issues across your website.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

• Trailing Slash Issues: URLs with and without trailing slashes are treated as different pages. Ensure all links include the trailing slash for consistency.

• Outdated Blog Links: Replace links to removed blog posts with links to relevant content or remove them altogether.

Why Fixing Redirects Matters

Eliminating internal redirects improves user navigation, maintains SEO value, and ensures a more efficient website structure. By addressing these issues, you create a seamless experience for visitors and enhance your site’s SEO performance.

Focus on keeping your internal links direct and up-to-date