Redirects are notoriously tricky things. Even ones that seem easy—just here to there—can sometimes go awry. These steps will help you troubleshoot a common hiccup that can occur during the process.
Please note this module is not installed by default; if you are NOT a Site Builder you will need to submit a Service Request to have it activated on your site.
The Domain Redirect function allows a site manager to redirect a path from a separate domain to a location in their SiteFarm site. This process is only possible AFTER your SiteFarm site has launched.
A redirect is a behind-the-scenes instruction that a website provides to a visitor's browser letting the browser know the original URL location requested is actually named something else or located somewhere else, and it sends the browser to that new location.
Redirect Gotchas
The redirect system does NOT work with files of any type UNLESS the original file no longer exists on the site.
Clients with an existing site they're moving to SiteFarm are understandably concerned with preserving visitor traffic analytics and providing a seamless transfer to avoid confusing people using established URLs and personal bookmarks. Having a deeper understanding of the layers involved with your Redirects will assist you in take the necessary steps to configure all options appropriately.
The Fix 404 pages option is different than designating a 404 error page for your site. This feature lets you know what people have tried to navigate to directly but received an error page. Either a search engine has an older link still in its index that people are clicking on or a visitor has a bookmark that is out of date. In both cases, you want to make their experience of being taken to the correct location as quick and seamless as possible.
