How to Change Permalinks in WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Changing your WordPress permalinks can be a simple task if you follow the proper steps. This guide will walk you through the process of modifying your permalinks, including precautions and post-change actions. Before making any changes, it’s essential to create a backup and test your changes on a staging site. From there, we'll guide you through deciding on a new permalink structure, making the change in the WordPress dashboard, and fixing broken links with 301 redirects.

Step 1: Decide on a New Permalink Structure

Choosing the right permalink structure is crucial. The first step is to decide what syntax you will use. You may want to include information such as the post date. However, consider how much of the date you want to reveal. News-related sites often include dates, while other types of content might not need them. WordPress's guide to using permalinks can be a helpful resource. Generally, the Post Name option is ideal for most websites. After you have decided on your new structure, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Change Your Permalink Structure in WordPress

To change your permalinks, navigate to the Settings > Permalinks section in your WordPress dashboard. Here, select the new permalink structure you have chosen. You can also create a custom structure using tags. Once your selection is made, click the Save Changes button. This action will update all your internal URLs with the new syntax. However, remember that any manually added links or external references will need to be updated.

Step 3: Fix Broken Links With 301 Redirects

Although changing the permalink structure is straightforward, the transition can cause broken links. To address this, implement 301 redirects to direct old URLs to the new ones. 301 redirects inform browsers and search engines of the permanent change, ensuring that users and search engines can still find your content.

Using the Simple 301 Redirects Plugin

One of the easiest ways to manage redirects in WordPress is by using the Simple 301 Redirects plugin. After installation and activation, this plugin adds a new menu to your settings. In the 301 Redirects settings window, you will find fields to enter the old and new permalink structures. For example, if you are changing from a Month and Name structure to a Post Name structure, the old structure would be the WordPress configuration for the Month and Name permastructure, and the new structure would be the Post Name permastructure. After entering these fields, click Save to apply the changes.

Using the Redirection Plugin

The Redirection plugin is another effective tool for managing redirects. This plugin is free and can be installed and activated in the same way as Simple 301 Redirects. It provides a user-friendly interface to create and manage redirects. You can add both internal and external redirects, and it automatically takes care of updating all relevant links.

Conclusion

Changing your WordPress permalinks can improve your site’s SEO by making URLs more user-friendly. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely transition to a new structure and ensure that all links are correctly redirected. Always remember to test your changes on a staging site and to implement 301 redirects to maintain user and search engine visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a 301 redirect?
A: A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that informs search engines and users that a page has moved to a new location. It is effective in maintaining a site’s SEO and ensuring that users can still access content that has been updated or moved.

Q: Can I change my permalinks without 301 redirects?
A: While technically possible, changing permalinks without 301 redirects can lead to broken links and lost traffic. It is highly recommended to use 301 redirects to maintain the integrity of your site and SEO.

Q: How often should I change my permalinks?
A: It is generally not recommended to change permalinks frequently. However, if you have a valid reason, such as an SEO improvement, it is best to do so in a controlled manner and use 301 redirects to mitigate any potential issues.