How to Create a Redirect Link (The Simple Way)

Last updated on November 12, 2025

Have you ever clicked on a link and instantly got sent somewhere else? That’s a redirect link in action. It’s like a quiet traffic cop that tells your browser, “Hey, go over there instead.” And honestly, it’s more useful than most people realize.

Maybe you changed your website domain, or you’ve got an old link that’s still floating around online. Or maybe you just want to hide an affiliate link behind something cleaner. Whatever your reason, knowing how to create a redirect link is one of those small web tricks that makes you feel like a pro.

What Exactly Is a Redirect Link?

In simple terms, a redirect link automatically sends visitors from one URL to another. For example, if someone types oldsite.com, they could be redirected to newsite.com without lifting a finger.

There are different types of redirects, but the most common ones are:

• 301 Redirect: Permanent redirect — tells browsers and search engines that the old page has moved for good.
• 302 Redirect: Temporary redirect — used when you’re just testing something or moving content for a short while.

For most people, a 301 redirect is what you’ll use 90% of the time. It’s perfect for SEO because it passes most of your old link’s “juice” to the new one.

When Should You Use a Redirect?

Here are a few common situations where redirects can save your day:

• You changed your website’s domain name.
• You deleted or renamed a page.
• You’re running a limited-time promotion and want a short, easy link.
• You’re sharing affiliate links but want them to look clean and branded.
• You’re testing a new landing page without breaking your old links.

Basically, any time you want a visitor to land somewhere different without confusion — a redirect is your friend.

How to Create a Redirect Link (Without Coding)

Alright, let’s get to the fun part. There are a few easy ways to make a redirect link — and you don’t need to be a tech genius to do it.

1. Use a Link Shortener or Redirect Tool

This is the easiest method if you don’t want to touch any code. Platforms like Bitly or TinyURL let you create short redirect links for free. They’re great for social media or marketing campaigns.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the tool’s website (like Bitly).
2. Paste the destination URL — where you want people to go.
3. Click “Shorten” or “Create Link.”
4. Copy your new redirect link and share it anywhere.

Every time someone clicks it, they’ll be redirected to your target page. Simple as that.

2. Create a Redirect Using HTML Meta Tag

If you manage your own website, you can create a redirect directly in your page’s HTML. It’s quick and works perfectly for basic redirects.

Here’s an example:

<meta http-equiv="refresh" content="3; url=https://example.com" />

This code automatically redirects users to another page after 3 seconds. You can change the number 3 to 0 if you want it to redirect instantly.

3. Redirect Using .htaccess (For WordPress or Apache Sites)

If your website runs on Apache (like most WordPress sites do), you can set up a redirect in your .htaccess file. Just be careful when editing it — one small mistake can break your site.

Here’s the code:

Redirect 301 /old-page.html https://example.com/new-page.html

Upload the edited file to your root directory using FTP or your hosting file manager. From then on, anyone visiting the old link will be redirected automatically.

4. Use a WordPress Plugin

If coding isn’t your thing, plugins like Redirection make it incredibly easy. You can set up 301 redirects in a few clicks right from your WordPress dashboard — no code needed.

Just install the plugin, go to Tools → Redirection, and add your old and new URLs. Done.

Important: Don’t Abuse Redirects

One thing I really need to mention — don’t use redirects in shady ways. Some people try to trick users by redirecting them to unrelated or unsafe sites. That’s a fast way to lose trust (and possibly get flagged by browsers or Google).

Also, make sure you actually have permission to redirect or mask a link — especially if it leads to another person’s website. Always stay transparent about where your links go.

Final Thoughts

Redirects are one of those behind-the-scenes things that make the internet smoother. Whether you’re fixing old links, managing promotions, or cleaning up URLs, it’s a skill worth learning. Once you try it a couple of times, it becomes second nature.

So next time you need to send someone from point A to point B — you’ll know exactly how to do it, smoothly and confidently.