Find out the best permalink settings for WordPress that help in SEO and website internal structure. Also, learn about the steps to change the permalink of a Page or Post in WordPress.
What are Permalinks?
Permalinks are the permanent URLs to website pages, blog posts, categories, tag archives, and other taxonomies. A permalink is the web address used to link to your content. The URL to each post should be permanent and never change. That is why it is named “permalink“. Any change will need redirection.
Defined by: WordPress.Org
Permalink Structure Types and Recommendations
Let’s take the example of a Mobile Phone Review Website to understand all the types of permalinks.
Main Domain: mobilephonereview.com
Post title: iPhone X review
Permalink Structure Type 1: https://mobilephonereview.com/apple/iphonex-review
Permalink Structure Type 2: https://mobilephonereview.com/iphone-x-review
Permalink Structure Type 3: https://mobilephonereview.com/2020/05/03/iphonex-review
Type 1
The Permalink structure 1 format contains taxonomy (category, tags, etc) and then the post title. It is best to use this with a General Website or if your domain does not has the exact target keywords. A general website is one that focuses on more than one niche or topic.
To better understand take the example of a tech website that has your name as the domain name. You write on phone reviews, gadgets, LED reviews, gaming computers, etc.
Hence,
Type 1 is also better in targeting more than one location or language. Example: site.com/us/product(United States) or site.com/ae/product(United Arab Emirates).
This allows webmasters to separately target content for a specific audience.
You can understand more about this by reading my post on How to use internationally targeting in search consoles?
Type 2
Permalink structure type 2 is the most used URL format. It keeps the URL simple, short, and easy to remember. In my experience, I’ve achieved better SEO result with this pattern. It can be used for any type of website but I recommend using it with a Niche website covering relatable topics.
Permalink Structure Type 2: https://mobilephonereview.com/iphone-x-review
Note: The type 2 URL format gives the best result when you have a target Niche keyword in the primary domain. In our example, you can see “mobilephonereview.com” reflects the niche clearly. So using type 2 permalink is the best option.
The only problem with the Type 2 permalink structure is with the expansion of the website.
When expanding the website into more and more categories, may hurt the overall structure of the website and make Google confuse. One more thing, please avoid using it with a News site.
Type 3
Well, this URL pattern is best if you are deciding to start a News website or an Entertainment web portal.
Breaking News or a New Episode of a TV Show is not evergreen content. Grouping them into dates is better for SEO.
Permalink Structure Type 3: https://mobilephonereview.com/2020/05/03/iphonex-review
Google wants the News websites to produce fresh content on a daily basis. Thus, Date matters.
This URL pattern will certainly help news sites to gain a better ranking.
| PERMALINK STRUCTURE | TYPE OF WEBSITE (RECOMMENDED) |
| TYPE 1 | GENERAL, PERSONAL BRAND |
| TYPE 2 | NICHE |
| TYPE 3 | NEWS, ENTERTAINMENT |
How to Change the Permalink of a Page in WordPress?
First, understand the difference between Slug and Permalink. Permalinks are the permanent URLs to a website’s individual pages, blog posts, categories, and tag archives. Slugs are the URL-friendly names of your posts, pages, categories, and tags.
Permalink Example: https://www.apple.com/smartphones/iphone-12
In this example, iPhone-12 is the blogpost slug.
Users can change the permalink (slug) of a page or post from the WordPress dashboard.
STEP #1: Log on to your website dashboard via www.yoursite.com/wp-admin
STEP#2: Open the dashboard and select Posts or Pages (According to your requirement).
Step#3: Move your mouse cursor on the post/page and you will see the Quick Edit option. Click on it
Step#4: Just change the slug of the page and press enter.
Changing Permalink Structure (Full Website)
Go to settings>Permalinks
Select the structure according to your requirement.
Does Changing Permalink Effects SEO & Ranking
As a matter of fact, any URL changes will have a negative impact on your ranking. Do not expect instant positive results after the change. Google will take the time to consider your new URL patterns. For WordPress, use the Redirection Plugin to redirect old URLs to new addresses.
Plan out and then decide which permalink will prove effective for you. Remember permalink is not a ranking factor but plays an important part in user engagement and forms the basis of on-page SEO