Clarify Legacy URL Redirect Strategy

[CuWilliams]

Description

Determine the proper handling of legacy URL redirects currently implemented in 404.html via JavaScript.

Background

The 404.html page contains JavaScript redirects for three URL patterns:

• /privacy-policy → /privacy.html
• /terms-of-service → /terms.html
• /beta → /beta-feedback.html

These redirects currently execute client-side (via JavaScript) which means:

• Google may not recognize them as proper redirects
• They only work AFTER a 404 error is served
• Google Search Console may flag these as 404 errors

Investigation Needed

• Check Google Search Console for any traffic to these URLs
  • Go to Performance → Search Results
  • Filter by page and search for /privacy-policy, /terms-of-service, /beta
• Determine if these URLs were ever actively used on the website
• Check if any external websites link to these old URL patterns
  • Use: site:trendfitapp.com/privacy-policy in Google
  • Use: site:trendfitapp.com/terms-of-service in Google
  • Use: site:trendfitapp.com/beta in Google

Possible Solutions

Option A: Create proper redirect pages (if URLs are actively used)

• Create individual HTML files for each legacy URL
• Use faster meta refresh (0 seconds instead of 1200ms)
• Add proper canonical tags pointing to new URLs
• Better for SEO and user experience

Option B: Remove JavaScript redirects (if URLs are not used)

• Remove the redirect map from 404.html (lines 64-68, 70-79)
• Simplify the 404 page
• No impact if nobody is visiting these URLs

Option C: Leave as-is (if uncertain or low priority)

• Keep current JavaScript approach
• Accept potential minor SEO impact
• Can revisit later if needed

Decision Criteria

• If Google Search Console shows traffic to these URLs → Choose Option A
• If no external links and no traffic → Choose Option B
• If unsure and low priority → Choose Option C

Acceptance Criteria

• Investigated Google Search Console data
• Made decision on which option to implement
• Documented decision in this issue
• Implemented chosen solution (if applicable)
• Tested redirects work correctly (if applicable)

Priority

Medium - Should be addressed but not urgent

Labels

SEO, question, priority: medium, enhancement

Related Files

• 404.html (lines 64-68, 70-79)

Estimated Time

• Investigation: 15 minutes
• Implementation: 30 minutes (if Option A chosen)