SlugSwap Feature Documentation

The SlugSwap feature is a Django model used to manage and record changes in slugs (URL-friendly strings) for different objects. It ensures old URLs redirect to new ones, maintaining SEO and avoiding broken links when slugs are updated.

What does it do?

• Manages Slug Changes: Keeps track of old and new slugs for objects.

• Redirects URLs: Automatically redirects users from old URLs to new URLs.

• SEO Maintenance: Preserves SEO by ensuring links do not break.

How it works

1. Slug Management: An entry in the SlugSwap model maps old slugs to new slugs when an object’s slug is updated.

2. Redirection Middleware: Middleware intercepts 404 responses, checks for old slugs, and redirects to the new slug using a predefined mapping.

3. HTTP Status Codes: Uses either a permanent (301) or temporary (302) redirect based on the redirect_type field.

When should we use it?

• Updating Slugs: Whenever slugs (and URLs) for objects are updated.

• SEO Preservation: To maintain SEO rankings and avoid broken links, preserving user experience and search engine indexing.

How it can improve SEO?

• Preserves Link Equity: Ensures any accumulated SEO value is transferred by redirecting old URLs to new ones.

• Avoids 404 Errors: Prevents users from encountering broken links, which negatively affect SEO.

• Maintains User Experience: Ensures users can still access content via old URLs, crucial for retaining visitors and reducing bounce rates.