The Path Redirect module handles just this task, but only if it is combined with the Pathauto module. Before we go further, download, install and enable the latest released version of the Path Redirect module. See our previous instructions if you need guidance here.
After the module is installed, make sure it has been enabled in the Modules screen. Then as an administrator browse to the Pathauto configuration screen at Administer > Site building > URL aliases > Automated alias settings.
Once you see this screen, expand the General setting section and scroll down to the item labeled Update action. In this section, chose the option entitled "Create a new alias. Redirect from old alias."
If you do not see this option, it means that the Path Redirect module has either not successfully installed or is not enabled.
Drupal 6 — Path Redirect and Pathauto Module Integration
Once you have selected the above option and clicked to save the configuration changes, you are done with this configuration item. When content item aliases are changed, the system now automatically generates a 301 redirect from the old URL to the new URL.
A Word about Templates
Most of this article focuses on URLs. That is only one part of SEO, albeit an important part. Another aspect that you should spend time on is the structure of your HTML templates — how you render your wonderful content in the browser.
There are a few basic rules that you should seek to understand and follow:
- Use semantic tags (e.g., H1, H2, H3) as they were intended. These tags have semantic value because they carry an implication. For example, the content in an H1 tag should say more about the page than the content in an H2 tag. Also, not using semantically meaningful tags in your content is a huge SEO mistake. Take some time to understand this concept and build your templates according to this rule.
- Keep it simple stupid (KISS). This is a rule that applies to web content but equally to your webpage templates. Use modern HTML. Keep it as light as possible. Keep HTML, CSS and content separate. Your pages will render faster and will be more accessible to both search engines and humans.
- Validate your HTML. If your rendered pages do no pass HTML and CSS validation tests, your website is not optimized for humans or machines. Check this regularly. Fix the problems you find.
A Word about Content
Content is king (read more about optimizing web content). No matter how much SEO you know and apply, this rule remains true. So don't over-prioritize SEO to the detriment of your content.
SEO serves a single purpose: to make your content accessible to search engines. The quality of your content serves many other important purposes. SEO and content quality are both factors in achieving your website's business goals. Balance your priorities accordingly.
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