How To Change Your Permalink Structure in WordPress for Better SEO

Introduction

Changing your permalink structure in WordPress is a vital step towards optimizing your website for search engines. A well-structured permalink not only enhances the user experience but also makes it easier for search engines to index your pages. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to change your permalink structure in WordPress, ensuring you can do it efficiently and effectively.

Step 1: Access Your WordPress Admin Dashboard

To begin, you need to log in to your WordPress admin dashboard. This is usually located at yourwebsite.com/wp-admin. Enter your credentials and click on the "Log In" button.

Step 2: Navigate to the Permalinks Settings

Once logged in, follow these simple steps to access your permalink settings:

1. In the dashboard on the left side, hover over the "Settings" option.
2. Click on "Permalinks" from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Choose a Permalink Structure

You will see several options for permalink structures. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used structures:

• Plain: http://yourwebsite.com/?p=123 (not seo-friendly)
• Day and name: http://yourwebsite.com/2023/10/22/sample-post/ (includes the date)
• Month and name: http://yourwebsite.com/2023/10/sample-post/ (includes the month)
• Numeric: http://yourwebsite.com/archives/123 (not user-friendly)
• Post name: http://yourwebsite.com/sample-post/ (highly recommended for seo)
• Custom Structure: You can create your own structure using available tags.

For better seo, the Post name structure is recommended as it is clean, descriptive, and easy to read.

Step 4: Set Your Preferred Structure

To change your permalink structure:

1. Select the Post name option or enter your custom structure in the "Custom Structure" field.
2. If you are creating a custom structure, you can use tags like %postname%, %category%, and %id% to create a structure that fits your needs.

Step 5: Save Changes

After selecting your desired permalink structure:

1. Scroll down to the bottom of the page.
2. Click the Save Changes button to apply your new permalink settings.

Step 6: Update Existing Links (if necessary)

If you are changing your permalink structure on an existing site, it’s essential to update any internal links, as your previously created links might not work after the change. You can do this manually or use a plugin to help manage redirects, such as "Redirection."

Step 7: Test Your Permalinks

After saving your changes, it’s crucial to verify that your permalinks are functioning correctly:

1. Visit existing posts and pages to ensure they are loading properly.
2. Check the browser’s address bar to confirm the new permalink structure is showing as intended.

Step 8: Submit Your New Sitemap to Search Engines

If you’ve significantly changed your permalinks, it’s a good idea to update your sitemap for search engines. Most seo plugins, like Yoast seo or All in One seo, will handle this for you. However, you can manually regenerate your sitemap and submit it to Google Search Console to ensure that your new structure is indexed.

Conclusion

Changing your permalink structure in WordPress is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your website’s seo. By following these steps, you’ll not only improve your site’s search engine visibility but also provide a better experience for your users. Remember, consistency and clarity in your URL structure are key, so choose a format that aligns with your content strategy. Happy blogging!