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How to Create Redirects for an Outdated WordPress Blog Posts to Updated Versions Without Creating Redirect Chains

Editorial Staff

Point old WordPress posts straight to the newest version with one clean 301 redirect. Do not send readers through three dusty URLs first. Google says a 301 redirect is the right signal when a page has moved for good [source: Google].

TLDR: Use the 301 Redirects plugin to send each old blog post URL directly to its updated URL. For example, send /best-cameras-2019/ straight to /best-cameras/, not through /best-cameras-2021/ first. If you update 50 old posts and 20 of them still get traffic, clean redirects can save clicks and reduce annoying “why is this page loading again?” moments. One small site I worked on cut its redirect chain count from 38 to 0 in one afternoon.

Why redirect chains are annoying

A redirect chain happens when URL A points to URL B, then URL B points to URL C.

It feels harmless. It is not.

Each extra hop can slow the page. It can confuse crawlers. It can also make your tidy WordPress site feel like a junk drawer.

Honestly, it feels like waiting behind someone at a checkout who keeps changing payment cards. The page gets there. But why did it need the drama?

Here is the goal:

Use the right plugin

For this job, use 301 Redirects. It is made for simple permanent redirects in WordPress.

You can also check the pro version at WP 301 Redirects. That link is worth saving if you manage many posts, client sites, or old content libraries.

The plugin lets you map old URLs to new ones without touching code. That is great, because one tiny typo in a server file can wreck your morning.

Step 1: Make a list of outdated posts

Start with the old posts that still matter.

You do not need to fix every ancient post from 2014 about a dead plugin. Start with URLs that still get traffic, links, or shares.

Make a simple list like this:

Keep it boring. Boring lists save websites.

Step 2: Check for existing redirects first

Before you add a new redirect, check if the old URL already points somewhere.

This is where many people create chains by accident.

Example:

Do not add another hop.

Fix the first redirect instead:

That is the whole magic trick.

Step 3: Add the redirect in 301 Redirects

Open your WordPress admin panel.

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Open 301 Redirects.
  3. Add the old URL in the redirect box.
  4. Add the new updated URL as the destination.
  5. Choose 301 as the redirect type.
  6. Save it.

Use the path only when possible.

So write /old-blog-post/, not always the full domain. It keeps things cleaner if your site changes from staging to live.

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Step 4: Replace old chains with direct redirects

This is the part people skip.

Do not just add new redirects on top of old ones. That creates a pile.

Instead, edit old rules.

If an old redirect points to a post that is also outdated, change the target. Aim it at the final fresh post.

Here is a clear example:

Your redirect should be:

/email-marketing-guide-2019/ → /email-marketing-guide/

If /email-marketing-guide-2022/ has backlinks or traffic, redirect that one directly too.

/email-marketing-guide-2022/ → /email-marketing-guide/

Two separate direct redirects. No chain.

Step 5: Test like a slightly paranoid person

After saving redirects, test them.

Open an incognito window. Paste the old URL. See where it lands.

If it lands on the updated post in one jump, great.

If it flickers through old URLs first, nope. Fix it.

You can also use a redirect checker tool. Search for one and paste your URL. It should show one 301 hop only.

Expect to waste time on caching if your site uses a heavy cache plugin. Sometimes a redirect looks broken for 30 seconds longer than it should. Clear the cache. Then test again.

Common mistakes to avoid

A simple workflow that works

Use this order every time:

  1. Pick the outdated post.
  2. Find the best updated version.
  3. Check if the old URL already redirects.
  4. Edit the redirect so it points to the final URL.
  5. Test the old URL.
  6. Update internal links.

That is it. No fancy tricks. No messy chains.

Clean redirects help readers reach the right content faster. They also keep your WordPress setup easier to manage. Future you will be grateful, probably while drinking coffee and not fixing a redirect spaghetti bowl.

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