Permalinks: It's OK to Change Your Permalink Settings
Today I saw a question about changing the permalink settings:
Can I Change My Permalink Structure Without Problems
"I want to change my permalinks structure from "day and name" (my default) to "post name", Is there a way I can do it without creating 404 link and hurt my SEO?"
Two of the answers given were not helpful.
So I would like to repeat my answer here for the benefit of all:
"YES you can change your permalink setting to "post name" without any detrimental effects. All the old links will automatically take people to the new links so there will not be any 404s or loss of traffic.
e.g. https://max-black.com/video-test/ is exactly the same as https://max-black.com/ ?p=116 (remove the space).
For the spam police this is a link to my test website which has NOTHING on it worth looking at."
Important:
Changing the permalink settings is not the same as changing the URL or the actual permalink. Do not change the URL/permalink if you're getting traffic to the post/page.
Just to clarify:
https://max-black.com/video-test/ (Post name)
Will take visitors to the same post as:
https://max-black.com/?p=116
https://max-black.com/2017/03/13/video-test/
https://max-black.com/2017/03/video-test/ or
https://max-black.com/archives/116
Permalink, by its very name means it's a permanent link.
Please folks, I know you want to help, but if you don't actually know the answer to a question either find out or leave it until someone else supplies the right answer.
Recent Comments
47
Thanks for the clarification Marion. I know people try to help out but they end up doing more harm than help if they don't know what they're talking about.
Erica
Good to hear straight sounding advice. You have a lot of knowledge about this whole business. Thanks. Debbie
Thank you. As a newbie, I now have two answers to a question concerning Permalinks: one - no, you cannot EVER change it, and two - your answer. I certainly don't understand your answer, BUT I understand that you really know what you're talking about! Until I know a whole lot more I think I should follow my first inclination, which is to not fool around with a permalink until I know a whole lot more.
Thank you again.
Changing the permalink SETTINGS is not the same as changing the URL or the actual permalink. Do not change the URL/permalink if you're getting traffic to the post/page.
You aren't actually changing the permalink just the displayed format of the permalink.
You don't want to actually change/edit the permalink itself. This will cause problems.
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Thank you for the info Marion! Not quite there yet. How do I get access to these training tips from everyone, when I'm ready? Should I write them down in a note book?
The easiest way to find stuff on WA is to type a keyword into the search box at the top of any WA page. These three videos should help How to Find Stuff at Wealthy Affiliate How to Find Stuff at WA: The Question Box How to Find Stuff at Wealthy Affiliate: The Shortcuts
Thank you kindly very much for the time you took to help me!