Do URL structure changes affect SEO? While changing the URL structure may seem like a small change, it can be more complicated for search engines. We have gathered a video on changing a page URL while protecting your SEO and wanted to share it with you!
Why Does a change in Page URLs Affect SEO?
Search engines, such as Google, store their index on a per-page basis. So, by changing the URL of a page, the page’s data must be forwarded somehow, or it gets lost. Therefore, it is still considered a site move whether you are rebuilding a website or removing a character in the URL.
Changing a Page URL
Since URL changes take time and affect ranking, it is essential to consider when to change a page URL. It is also good to create a list of the old and new URLs to help keep track of changes. Once you start the migration, 301 redirect all the old URLs to the new URLs. It is essential to update all internal mentions, such as links, forms, structure data, site maps, and the robots.text file.
Monitor the Migration
Keep a check on all pages for the redirect in Google Search Console’s report. You will be able to see a quick change for the necessary pages and a slower change as Google’s system reprocesses the other changes. Unfortunately, it can take several months for all of the changes to be complete.
Redirects need to remain in place for a least a year so that Google can acknowledge the change.
Conclusion
Page URL changes are not always easy. However, with quality research, documentation, and preparation, you can change a Page URL successfully.