A well-structured URL improves SEO, enhances user experience, and streamlines website navigation. Proper permalink and URL management ensures that search engines can effectively index and rank your content, while also making your website easier to navigate for users. This guide covers how to manage permalinks and optimize URL structures in WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
Improves Search Rankings – Clear and descriptive URLs help search engines understand page content.
Enhances User Experience – Short, meaningful URLs are easier for users to remember.
Prevents Duplicate Content Issues – Structured URLs help avoid duplicate indexing.
Increases Click-Through Rates (CTR) – Well-optimized URLs improve link visibility.
Simplifies Website Structure – Organized URLs make content easier to manage.
Note: URLs should be short, keyword-rich, and free of unnecessary parameters.
Use hyphens (-) instead of underscores (_) in URLs.
Avoid special characters – Stick to a-z, 0-9, and hyphens.
Keep URLs concise – Shorter URLs rank better and are easier to share.
Include target keywords – Helps search engines understand page relevance.
Note: Enable HTTPS for all URLs to improve both SEO and security.
Changing the WordPress Permalink Structure
Step 1: Go to WordPress Admin > Settings > Permalinks.
Step 2: Choose a structure (Post Name is recommended).
Step 3: Click
Note: Avoid changing permalinks after publishing, as it can lead to broken links.
Enabling SEF URLs in Joomla
Step 1: Go to Joomla Admin > System > Global Configuration.
Step 2: Under SEO Settings, enable:
Note: Avoid duplicate URL structures by properly configuring menu aliases.
Setting Up SEO-Friendly URLs in Drupal
Step 1: Install and enable the Pathauto module.
Step 2: Go to Configuration > Search and Metadata > URL Aliases.
Note: Avoid using node/123 URLs, as they are bad for SEO.
Using 301 Redirects for SEO
Redirect old URLs to relevant new pages.
Prevent 404 errors by updating internal links.
Use Google Search Console to identify broken links.
Note: Never use 302 redirects for permanent page changes; always use 301 redirects.
WordPress:
Use Post Name permalink structure.
Redirect old URLs with Redirection Plugin.
Avoid changing permalinks after publishing.
Use lowercase letters – Some servers are case-sensitive.
Avoid dynamic parameters – Clean, static URLs improve readability.
Set up canonical URLs – Prevent duplicate content issues.
Recommended Permalink Structures
Post Name: yoursite.com/sample-post/ (Best for SEO).
Category & Post Name: yoursite.com/category/sample-post/ (Good for content hierarchy).
Custom Structure: /blog/%postname%/ (For blogs).
Redirecting Old URLs
Install Redirection Plugin to manage 301 redirects.
Use Yoast SEO or Rank Math for automatic URL redirection.
Use URL Rewriting (Requires mod_rewrite).
Add Suffix to URL (Optional).
Step 3: Save settings.
Creating Custom URLs in Joomla
Use the sh404SEF extension for better control over URLs.
Set up aliases in article settings to create clean URLs.
Use Joomla’s Redirect Manager to handle URL changes.
Step 4: Click Save Configuration.
Managing URL Redirects in Drupal
Install the Redirect Module to create 301 redirects.
Use the Global Redirect Module to prevent duplicate content.
Set up canonical URLs in the Metatag Module.
Redirect Plugins & Modules
WordPress: Use Redirection Plugin.
Joomla: Use Redirect Manager.
Drupal: Use Redirect Module.
Joomla:
Enable SEF URLs & URL Rewriting.
Use sh404SEF for clean, structured URLs.
Manage redirects with Redirect Manager.
Drupal:
Use Pathauto for automatic URL aliases.
Set up canonical URLs to prevent duplicate content.
Redirect old URLs using Redirect Module.