WP 301 Redirects Complaints & Common Issues

While WP 301 Redirects generally receives very positive feedback, no software is entirely without its quirks or challenges. Looking at user discussions, particularly on platforms like Reddit or review sites, some common complaints or issues occasionally surface.

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1. Minor Integration/Monitoring Hiccups

• What users say: A few AppSumo reviews mention “minor issues with URL monitoring and plugin integration.” This doesn’t seem to be a widespread or critical problem but indicates that, like any plugin, there might be occasional small compatibility or data reporting quirks with specific WordPress setups or other plugins.
• Why it happens: WordPress environments can be complex, with numerous themes and plugins interacting. Sometimes, two plugins might try to do similar things or use resources in a conflicting way, leading to minor glitches.
• Solution/Developer Response: The developers are often praised for their responsiveness in addressing these types of issues. For instance, a conflict with W3 Total Cache was reportedly fixed within days of being reported. If you encounter this, contacting their support is the best first step.

2. “Noisy” 404 Logs

• What users say: Some users have observed that the 404 error logs can get quite full with records of hacking attempts or “bad bots” trying to access non-existent pages. This can make it a bit challenging to sift through and find genuine broken links from your own site that need fixing.
• Why it happens: Websites are constantly being probed by bots, both good and bad. While WP 301 Redirects tries to ignore bad bots for automatic redirection purposes, they still hit your server and might get logged as 404s.
• Solution: While the plugin does ignore bad bots for redirection, the logs might still show them. You’d need to manually filter through the logs or use the plugin’s reporting features to focus on meaningful 404s. The detailed logs are useful, but might require some sifting. The plugin does offer settings for log retention, which can help manage the volume of data.

3. Redirects Not Working (General Troubleshooting for Any Plugin)

• What users say: Occasionally, a user might find their redirects aren’t working as expected. This is a common issue with any redirect method, not exclusive to WP 301 Redirects.
• Why it happens (common reasons):
  • Browser Caching: Your browser might have cached the old 301 redirect, so it keeps sending you to the wrong place even after you’ve set up a new redirect.
  • Plugin Conflicts: Other plugins, especially other redirect plugins or caching plugins, can sometimes interfere. You generally shouldn’t use more than one redirection plugin at a time.
  • Incorrect URL Input: A typo in the source or destination URL when setting up the redirect.
  • Server-Level Redirects: If you have .htaccess redirects or cPanel redirects set up, they might conflict with plugin-based redirects. Server-level redirects often take precedence.
  • Redirect Chains/Loops: Creating multiple redirects that lead to each other can cause a “too many redirects” error.
  • Missing Files: If you’re trying to redirect an old .html or .php file, the plugin can’t redirect it if the file still exists on the server. You’d need to delete the old file or use .htaccess for those cases.
• Solutions:
  • Clear Cache: Always clear your browser cache, and any website caching (plugin or server-side) after setting up new redirects.
  • Check URLs Carefully: Double-check your source and destination URLs for typos.
  • Disable Other Redirect Plugins: Make sure you’re only using one redirect management plugin.
  • Check .htaccess: If you’ve manually edited your .htaccess file, review it for conflicting rules.
  • Contact Support: If you’ve tried common troubleshooting steps and are still stuck, the WP 301 Redirects support team is there to help.

4. Pricing Misunderstandings (Pre-Lifetime Deal)

• What users say: Before the lifetime deals became more prominent, some users expressed concerns about recurring costs or perceived value compared to free alternatives.
• Current Reality: With the availability of lifetime deals, many users now view it as a highly cost-effective long-term investment, especially for agencies or sites planning to stick around.

In essence, most “complaints” about WP 301 Redirects are either minor usability quirks or common redirect troubleshooting issues that apply to any redirect method. The overall sentiment is that the plugin is reliable and the support team is helpful when issues arise.

Read more about WP 301 Redirects Review:
WP 301 Redirects Review & First Look
WP 301 Redirects Features
WP 301 Redirects Pros & Cons
How Does WP 301 Redirects Work?
WP 301 Redirects Pricing
How to Get Started with WP 301 Redirects
What Are the Benefits of Using WP 301 Redirects?
WP 301 Redirects Results: What Users Are Saying
WP 301 Redirects vs. Redirection
Best SEO Tools Similar to WP 301 Redirects