301 / URL Redirects

Definition

A 301 / URL Redirect is a permanent URL forward that sends visitors — and search engines — from an old URL to a new, correct page location. Redirects prevent 404 errors, preserve SEO value, and ensure that bookmarks and external links continue to function even when pages change or are removed.

301s are required whenever a previously public URL no longer exists or has been replaced.

Purpose / Why It Matters

A clean redirect strategy ensures:

• No broken paths for visitors landing on outdated URLs.
• Preservation of SEO equity, so rankings pass from old URLs to new ones.
• Smooth migration from a client’s prior website (Hibu-built or 3rd-party) to a new Hibu One Smart Site.
• Professional UX, avoiding “Page Not Found” errors that hurt trust and conversion.

Old URLs may continue to appear in Google results for weeks or months after launch, making proper redirects essential.

When Hibu Uses 301 Redirects

Hibu will apply redirects when:

• A Previous Website Is Replaced by a Hibu One Smart Site
• Hibu redirects the client’s old URLs to appropriate locations on the new site — typically the home page or closest equivalent page.
• Old Next Gen / Smart Site URLs → new Hibu One site home page or closest page equivalents
• Old BYOD URLs → new Hibu One site home page or closest page equivalents
• A Previous Website Is Replaced by a Hibu One Smart Site
• If a URL slug changes (e.g., /roof5730 → /roofing-services ), a redirect ensures both users and Google reach the correct updated page.
• A Single Page Is Split Into Multiple New Pages
• If a client’s old “Services” page covered many topics and is converted into separate, topic-specific pages, the old URL must be redirected appropriately.
  
• /services → appropriate new locations (often homepage when no direct equivalent exists).
• Multiple Old Pages Are Consolidated into One New Page
• When redesign strategy merges many pages into one modernized page, old individual URLs must point to the consolidated destination.
  Example (Page 6):
• 10 lawyer bio pages → 1 consolidated attorney page
  

Redirect Scope & Limitations

• What Hibu Will Redirect
• Old Hibu-built site URLs
• Old third-party site URLs as long as the same domain is used
• Any URL changed or removed as part of the new build
• What Hibu Cannot Redirect
• Domains the client is no longer using — only the domain used on the new Hibu One Smart Site can be redirected.
  (Client must handle domain-level redirects through their registrar.)
  Page 1 reference.
  
• URLs for which no ownership or DNS access exists
• Redirects within external platforms (e.g., Shopify, Wix, 3rd-party apps)
  

Redirect Destination Rules

• To maintain consistency and avoid incorrect forwarding:
• Acceptable redirect targets
• The new page that best matches the old page’s intent
• The new homepage (when no equivalent page exists)
• A consolidated topic page (if the content was merged)
• Unacceptable redirect targets
• Redirects that create loops
• Redirects to external domains not controlled by the client
• Redirects that mislead users by pointing unrelated old pages to irrelevant new pages