*COMING SOON* How to Set Up a URL Redirect or Shortened URL in the Hub

Setting up a URL redirect can help improve the user experience, avoid broken links, and make it easier to share URLs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to create a redirect or shortened URL in your Hub.

In this article: 

• What is a URL Redirect/a
• Steps to Step Up a URL Redirect
• How to Modify or Delete a URL Redirect
• Tips for Using URL Redirects Efficiently

What is a URL Redirect?

A URL redirect is a way to send users and search engines from one URL to a different one. Here are some scenarios where URL redirects can be useful:

• Redirecting Old URLs to New Ones: If a page or resource is moved, you can redirect visitors from the old URL to the new one, ensuring they reach the right place without seeing a broken link.
• Maintaining Multiple Domains: If you manage multiple domains, redirects allow you to funnel all visitors to a single primary domain, consolidating traffic and boosting SEO.
• Shortening Long URLs: Long URLs can be hard to remember or share. A redirect lets you create a shorter, more user-friendly URL that points to the original page.

Steps to Set Up a URL Redirect

Follow these instructions to create a URL redirect in your Hub:

Step 1: Navigate to URL Redirect Settings

1. Log in to your Hub account.
2. Go to Hub Administration:
   • Click on your profile picture in the side navigation bar.
   • Select Hub Administration.
3. Under Hub Administration, click on URL Redirects.

Step 2: Add a URL Redirect

1. On the URL Redirects page, click on the Add Redirect button.

2. You will see two fields:

   • Original URL: This is the URL that users will initially request (the old link), and must be a relative link to/in your hub such as "/posts/12345" if you were to redirect from an old post.
   • Target URL: This is the new link you want the traffic redirected to (the destination link). This can be any link, including somewhere outside of the hub.

   Make sure to follow the format guidelines provided as placeholders in the fields to avoid errors.

Step 3: Save Your Changes

1. Once you've filled in the Original URL and Target URL, click the Save button to create the redirect.
2. Your new redirect will now be listed in the URL Redirects section, and users accessing the old URL will be automatically redirected to the new one.

How to Modify or Delete a URL Redirect

• Modify a Redirect: If you need to change an existing redirect, click on the redirect entry in the list, edit the details, and click Save to apply changes.
• Delete a Redirect: To delete a redirect, click on the entry you wish to remove and click Delete.

Tips for Using URL Redirects Effectively

• Ensure URLs are Correct: Double-check the Original URL and Target URL to avoid errors. Incorrect URLs may lead to broken links or a poor user experience.
• Plan for SEO: Redirects help maintain SEO value when URLs change. Avoid setting up multiple redirects that chain together, as this can negatively impact search engine rankings.
• Use for Shortening Links: You can use URL redirects to create shorter links, especially when sharing content in marketing emails or on social media.

Using URL redirects effectively will help maintain a seamless experience for your visitors and ensure your Hub remains user-friendly and accessible.