How to change the URL or slug of a page without breaking the links?

Why modify a slug carefully

Key points • Changing a slug directly impacts SEO and internal links • A 301 redirect prevents 404 errors • Good organization ensures a smooth transition for your hotel website

Changing a page's URL or slug is a common practice when you want to improve your hotel SEO, simplify a long address, or adapt a page to a new editorial strategy. However, without following the correct steps, the modification can break internal or external links and cause 404 errors. Here's how to make a clean and secure change.

Start by going to the page settings (static or CMS). Open the slug field and replace it with your new URL, making sure to follow best practices: a short, descriptive URL, without accents, spaces, and in lowercase. Confirm your change and then save.

The second step is essential: setting up a 301 redirect. This redirect tells browsers and Google that the old URL should now point to the new one. It helps preserve your SEO while preventing visitors from encountering a 404 error. To do this, access your redirect management area and create a rule: • From: old-url • To: new-url

💡 Tip: Never delete the old URL without redirection, even if the page is simply changing its name.

Next, make sure all your internal links point to the new URL. While the redirection will make them functional, updating them improves clarity and avoids unnecessary redirect chains. Go through your main pages (home, rooms, offers, restaurant, news) to correct the links at the source.

If you're working with CMS pages, make sure the dynamic template uses the correct fields. The CMS slug is often based on a "Slug" field in the item: update it in the item's details, then republish.

After finalizing the changes, publish your site and then test both URLs: • The old URL should redirect automatically. • The new URL should display correctly.

If your hotel site is tracked via Google Search Console, use the inspection tool to speed up the implementation of the new URL.

Conclusion

Changing a page's URL or slug is simple if you follow these key steps: adjust the slug, add a 301 redirect, and check your internal links. This way, you preserve your hotel's SEO while providing a smooth and professional browsing experience.