Redirection Tracer

Redirect Analysis is a free redirection analysis tool designed for Squarespace users or any web designers, helping you trace the complete path a redirected URL follows.

URL Redirect 101

What are URL Redirects?

A URL redirect forwards traffic from one page to another. Redirect is important for

• Forward visitors away from inactive or deleted pages

• Maintaining site structure during a site migration

• Tracking marketing campaigns

Squarespace Redirects aka URL Mappings

In Squarespace, redirects are managed through URL mappings, allow you to guide traffic from inactive or duplicated pages to active ones. Squarespace's redirection system is a powerful way to maintain a clean, user-friendly, and SEO-optimized website structure.

Setting up URL mappings in Squarespace is simple:

1. Navigate to Settings → Advanced → URL Mappings.

2. Enter the redirect rule in the format:

   • /old-url -> /new-url 301 (permanent redirect).

   • /old-url -> /new-url 302 (temporary redirect).

3. Save your changes.

Some fun facts about Squarespace redirections

• Files uploaded via the Link Editor are served through your-domain/s/file.ext but actually redirect to Squarespace’s static assets CDN.

• If you enable "www" on your domain, accessing the non-www version automatically redirects to the www version.

• The URL mappings field has a size limit of 400 KB, supporting approximately 2,500 redirect lines.

• Squarespace allows bulk page redirection when using the correct syntax.

Common Type of Redirects

1. 301 or 308 Redirect (Permanent): Used for permanently moved pages, retaining link equity.

2. 302 or 307 Redirect (Temporary): Suggests a temporary change in page location.

3. 303 Redirect (See Other): Directs users after an action, commonly used in form submissions.

4. Meta Refresh: HTML-based redirects; less favorable for SEO.

5. JavaScript Redirect: Programmatic redirects; not ideal for SEO optimization.

Redirection Tracer

How to use Redirection Tracer

1. Enter your target URL in the input field (including http:// or https://).

2. Click the "Trace URL" button.

3. Wait until the redirection analysis complete.

4. The redirection trace will include:

   • Comprehensive Redirect Path

   • HTTP Status Responses for Each Stage

   • Intermediate Links Encountered

   • Ultimate Destination URL

   • Total Count of Redirects

5. You can:

   • Copy the full URL of the trace to bookmarking or sharing

   • Copy the URL of each step

   • Copy Root Directory Redirection, where it simulate the root directory file upload, useful for domain verification process (Google ads.txt, Bing verification…)

Why you need Redirection Tracer

Some of the many uses for Redirection Tracer are:

• Trace affiliate links to identify their final destinations and the affiliate networks involved.

• Verify the legitimacy of shortened URLs, such as bit.ly links.

• Test and confirm that your own redirects are functioning as intended.

• Ensure your redirected domain properly points to your new domain.

• Streamline site performance by eliminating redundant redirects.

• Preserve SEO value during site updates or migrations, especially when transitioning from Squarespace 7.0 to 7.1 templates.

• Confirm that all redirects lead to the correct target pages.

How to Use Root Directory Redirection

• Beyondspace Redirection Tracer detects Squarespace static assets automatically and show the Root directory redirection helper

• Add the path as a new line in Settings → Developer Tools → URL Mappings.

• Use cases include:

  • Ads.txt verification.

  • IndexNow protocol verification.

  • Bing Webmaster verification with BingSiteAuth.xml.

  • Creating alternate sitemaps with custom URLs.

Frequently Asked Questions