Implement 301 Redirects for SEO
Use .htaccess to create permanent redirects that preserve link equity and prevent 404 errors during site migrations.
Control URL Structure and Canonicalization
Set up trailing slash rules and force HTTPS to eliminate duplicate content issues that dilute search rankings.
Block Malicious Bots and Scrapers
Protect your site's crawl budget by blocking harmful bots while allowing legitimate search engine crawlers access.
Enable Compression and Caching
Implement GZIP compression and browser caching rules to improve page load speeds, a confirmed Google ranking factor.
Secure Sensitive Directories
Restrict access to admin areas and configuration files to prevent security vulnerabilities that could harm search visibility.
Set Custom Error Pages
Create user-friendly 404 pages that keep visitors engaged and provide clear navigation back to important site sections.
Where is the .htaccess file located on my website?
The .htaccess file sits in your website's root directory and affects that folder plus all subdirectories.
Can .htaccess changes break my website?
Yes, syntax errors in .htaccess can cause server errors. Always backup your file before making changes.
Do .htaccess rules work on all web servers?
No, .htaccess only works on Apache servers. Nginx uses different configuration files for similar functionality.
How do I test if my .htaccess redirects are working correctly?
Use HTTP status code checkers or browser developer tools to verify that redirects return proper 301 status codes.
Need help with .htaccess File?
Crawl waste, indexation gaps, and structured data cost you rankings every day. We find and fix the technical problems your store doesn't know it has.
Explore our Technical SEO servicesD2C Ecommerce SEO: How to Develop Strategies That Work
Set yourself up for D2C ecommerce SEO success with strategies that optimize your D2C website and boost your search engine rankings for the right keywords.
4 Ecommerce Ingredients to Complete an SEO Campaign Strategy
How to craft an SEO campaign strategy for ecommerce focused on visibility and conversions. Plus, tools and KPIs to monitor your progress.
Benefits of SEO for Ecommerce: Make Sales While You Sleep
Discover the benefits of ecommerce SEO. From consistent traffic to increased brand awareness, here are nine reasons why SEO is important for ecommerce.
302 Redirect
A temporary redirect indicating a page has moved temporarily. Unlike 301 redirects, search engines may continue indexing the original URL and may not transfer full link equity to the destination.
Browser
Software application used to access and navigate websites on the internet. Browser rendering behavior affects how search engines process JavaScript-heavy sites and influences Core Web Vitals measurements.
Image Sitemap
An XML sitemap or sitemap extension that provides search engines with information about images on a website. Image sitemaps help ensure visual content is discovered and indexed for image search results.
Query
The word or phrase a user enters into a search engine. Understanding query types — informational, navigational, transactional, and commercial — is essential for creating content that matches what searchers actually need.
Related Glossary Terms
Need help putting these concepts into practice?
Digital Commerce Partners builds organic growth systems for ecommerce brands.
Learn how we work