Are You Familiar with Word Press Permalink Settings?
As a Blogger, You Should be…
By default, Word Press will publish your posts in the following format unless you set up your Permalink Settings.
Default http://yourdomain.com/?p=123
If you called the title of your post “Permalink Settings”, the link would still look like the default one above. This is NOT the best way to build your blog for search engine optimization.
You would rather your post be called http://yourdomain.com/permalink-settings instead.
Word Press gives you several options below, but again none of them are optimized for the search engines.
Day and Time http://yourdomain.com/2009/12/05/sample-post/
Month and Name http://yourdomain.com/2009/12/sample-post/
Numeric http://yourdomain.com/archives/123
There is a final option called “Custom Structure”. This is the option that you want to choose. This option will enable the title of each post to act as the permalink instead of a number. In the empty text field simply enter /%postname%/ beside Custom Structure.
Instructions: To locate your Permalink Settings follow the instructions below.
- Login to your WordPress Dashboard
- Click on Settings > Permalinks
- Locate “Custom Structure” > Enter the following into the empty text field /%postname%/
- Click Update Permalinks
IMPORTANT: If your blog is brand new or never been advertised you should thank your lucky stars that you got this information before you starting posting a lot of content.
If your blog has a lot of content already…you have a BIG decision to make. Do you continue advertising your existing links or do you change them to be search engine friendly?
There is a plugin called “Redirection” that you could install and redirect all of your old links that you are advertising to the newly ‘optimized’ addresses.
Work Smarter, Play Harder!
P.S. If you have found this post helpful please leave your comments below. I really appreciate that. If you are a Twitter user, I would be ecstatic if you retweeted this post. Thank you!
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About the Author: Christine McIvor
One of the first things others notice about me is my adventurous spirit and straightforward disposition. After reaching the big 4-0, I've committed myself to having the best time ever. As a result, what I'm most passionate about is living life fully, acquiring new knowledge & skills, meeting new people from all over the world, experiencing new cultures, overcoming my biggest fears, and having fun. "Working smarter and playing harder through the world wide web." My 2009-2010 Business Goals ► To grow my business into 25 countries ► To acquire positive and driven business partners worldwide ► To establish and maintain a retail web presence ► To establish joint ventures with select industry-related products on-line and off-line ► To grow my business through nation-wide seminars ► To work less and make more money to finance my adventurous lifestyle ► To travel once a month to experience a new GRN Resort and new destination My Business Mission Statement "I help small businesses increase their revenue streams!"
16 User Comments: Share your thoughts
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You are so right, Christine; such easily ignored details could cost a lot of search engine traffic.
I’ve never heard of “Redirection” plug-in; very useful tip I will definitely keep in mind.
Ana/Your Net Biz
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Christine McIvor Reply:
February 14th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Especially when getting to the top of Google is WordPress’s biggest perk. What’s the point if you aren’t going to set it up properly. Thanks for your feedback Ana!
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Great tip for blogging. I actually put the category as well as part of my permalink. /%category%/%postname%/
Make it a great day!
Mike Hobbs
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Christine McIvor Reply:
February 14th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Thanks for pointing that out Mike. I appreciate that. Just copy and paste the code below into your permalink settings to add the category. /%category%/%postname%/
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Good point, it makes things look prettier. You should be sure to do this before you really establish your blog. I believe it disrupts all the links Google spiders made when you change the format.
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Christine McIvor Reply:
February 14th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
I completely agree. It will disrupt everything. This is something that you want to put in place when you first set up your blog. Thanks for your feedback Kevin. I value your voice in this community.
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Great, helpful content, Christine! I just love the nitty gritty! ♥ Katherine.
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Christine,
You always give such great tips with the exact details needed to put them to use. Thank you.
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Christine, this is SUCH helpful information. It took me forever to figure it out some time ago, and you make it both easy to understand and doable. Your content always rocks!
Sue Painter
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Thanks again for your tips. I rely heavily on technology to connect and admittedly know just enough to be dangerous. Your clear, concise instructions are always informative and helpful.
You are much appreciated.
Write on!~
Lisa
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Thanks Christine. I love your suggestions and they are always right on target.
Anita G. Wheeler
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This is such great info Christine. I learned it in Website Creation Workshop with Christina Hills and I have the great advantage of having it put on my blog from the get-go. I’m still waiting or my new website to go live with my blog as part of it. VA has run into some glitches during the switchover.
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Great tip, Christine! Going to check my own settings.
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This is a good post, I was wondering if I could use this blog post on my website, I will link it back to your website though. If this is a problem please let me know and I will take it down right away.
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Christine McIvor Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 10:36 am
Hi Nick, what a great way to start my week. Thank you for adding my blog post to your site. Thanks for stopping by.
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Thank you for sharing the info. I found the information very helpful.
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