A permalink refers to the URL of a webpage, closely related to Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Setting up accurate permalinks helps convey clear information about the webpage to search engines, potentially boosting search rankings.
How to Set Permalinks
1. Access the WordPress Dashboard
WordPress users should first log in to the dashboard and navigate to the 'Permalinks' setting. Here, you can choose from various URL types.
2. Choose a Permalink Type
WordPress provides types like 'Plain', 'Day and Name', 'Month and Name', 'Numeric', 'Post Name', and 'Custom Structure'. For SEO optimization, 'Post Name' or 'Custom Structure' is recommended. 'Post Name', in particular, is both intuitive and beneficial for search engine optimization.
3. Utilize Custom Structure
By choosing a custom structure, you can include the category and post title in formats like /category/%postname%/. For example, you can structure it as 'domain/category/post-title'. This format clearly reflects the content and aids readers in quickly understanding the post.
Optimizing Permalinks for SEO
Use Meaningful Words
It is preferable for permalinks to include meaningful words rather than numbers or incomprehensible strings. This assists search engines like Google in better understanding the content.
Keep it Short and Simple
Permalinks should be composed of concise and essential words, allowing users to predict the content just from the URL. For example, a permalink for an ‘SEO Talk’ related post might be structured simply like domain/seo-talk/digital-pr-and-seo.
Use English URLs
Setting permalinks in English is advisable, as non-English characters may transform into special characters or numbers when copied or shared on social networks, making English more reliable.
Use Hyphens
When multiple words are needed in the URL, separate them using hyphens (-). WordPress automatically inserts hyphens instead of spaces for optimized formatting.
Changing Post and Category Slugs
Change Post Slugs
When writing a blog post, you can manually edit the auto-generated permalink. Click 'edit' to customize the permalink as desired. By entering keywords in English, hyphens will automatically be added between words to create a new permalink.
Change Category and Tag Slugs
When creating a new category or tag, it is best to change the slug to English. This can be easily done through the 'Quick Edit' option in the WordPress admin screen.
Important Points to Note
Use Redirects When Changing Existing URLs
If you change the permalink of a post already indexed by search engines, there's a risk of breaking existing links. It is essential to redirect the old URL to the new one to prevent issues.
Simple and Logical Structure
The URL structure of your site should be simple and logical. Organize content according to consistent logic, and create URLs that users can easily understand.
By appropriately setting permalinks, you can significantly enhance your site's SEO performance. Provide a better experience to your website visitors with the right settings!
