Last updated: 23 October 2026 · By Maurice, freeehouse team · About 3 minutes to read
What is a 301 redirect?
A permanent redirect. When someone opens the old address, the server answers with code 301 and the new address, and the browser jumps there. Google describes 301 as the strongest signal that the new address permanently replaces the old one. A 302 redirect, by contrast, counts as temporary.
Why is this so important in a move?
Because the addresses change in almost every switch. At Wix a page might be called /leistungen-1, on the new site /leistungen/. Without a redirect, all links, bookmarks and Google results lead nowhere on the old address. In its guide for moves, Google recommends redirecting every old address to the matching new one.
How do I make a list of all old addresses?
- Open the sitemap of the old site, usually at yourdomain.de/sitemap.xml.
- In Google Search Console under Pages, see which addresses are known.
- Go through the navigation and menu of the old site.
- Check old links in business directories, social media and on flyers.
In our moves in October 2026, between 36 and more than 5,000 old addresses came together, depending on the site. With large archives, such as image galleries or concert lists, it is quickly more than you think.
How do I match old and new?
| old address | new address | Note |
|---|---|---|
| /leistungen-1 | /leistungen/ | same page, new name |
| /ueber-uns-2019 | /ueber-uns/ | merged |
| /aktion-sommer | /angebote/ | page no longer exists, closest match |
| /kontakt | /kontakt/ | same, just the slash |
Important: redirect to the page that matches in content, not everything to the homepage. Google treats mass redirects to the homepage much like missing pages.
Which mistakes happen often?
- Chains. Old redirects to an intermediate address, which redirects again. Better straight to the target.
- Everything to the homepage. See above.
- Forgotten images and files. PDFs such as menus or price lists are often linked.
- 302 instead of 301. Some systems set temporary redirects by default.
- Redirects deleted after a short time. Google recommends keeping them for a long time, at least a year.
How do I check after the move?
- 1
Spot checks: open old addresses in the browser.
- 2
Submit the new sitemap in Search Console.
- 3
Under Pages, watch for 404 errors and add missing redirects.
- 4
Watch rankings and clicks for a few weeks. Short-term swings are normal.
At freeehouse we set up a redirect for every old address, check them before go-live and set up Search Console, Bing and sitemap at launch. We do not charge for building the new site. Claim your spot on the waiting list
How do I set up redirects?
That depends on the system. With many hosts it works through a configuration file or a setting in the customer account, with WordPress through an extension, with website builders through the SEO settings. The only thing that matters: the redirects have to live on the new system, because that is where the domain points after the move.
Frequently asked questions
How long do redirects have to stay in place?
Google recommends keeping them for a long time, at least a year. Ideally permanently, they cost next to nothing.
Can I redirect all old pages to the homepage?
Better not. Redirect to the page that matches in content, otherwise Google treats it much like a missing page.
What is the difference between 301 and 302?
301 is permanent, 302 temporary. For a move you need 301.
Do I have to redirect images too?
If images or PDFs are linked from outside or show up in image search, yes.
Sources
- Google Search Central: Weiterleitungen und Google Suche, accessed 23 October 2026
- Google Search Central: Website-Umzug mit URL-Änderungen, accessed 23 October 2026
- Google Search Central: Sitemap erstellen und einreichen, accessed 23 October 2026
Providers' prices and terms change often. What counts is what's in your customer account and your contract. Not legal advice.
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