Website Design in Lake Elmo MN | How Changing URLs Can Affect Your SEO

Changing URLs may seem to be easy and simple but if it is not done properly, it can lead to tragic results. Changing URL is a part of revamping websites; however, it does lead to fluctuations in ranking. It can have adverse effects on your website’s SEO. Website Design in Lake Elmo MN

When should you change your URL structure?

Changing URL requires in-depth planning. First, we have to plan to change our URL. If you make sure that your website is working well before changing the URL, you will have more options. You will be able to change HTTP to HTTPS for the security of your web clients. Second, you will be able to optimize your URL paths for SEO and easy navigation. Third, you will also be able to change your domain name to better your local SEO. You may have any reason but make one thing for sure, changing your URL can greatly affect your SEO.

How can changing URLs harm SEO?

Changing your URL is not an airy or light decision. In addition, even if you are correct at every point, Google still has to re-crawl your new URL everywhere to establish its power and content. It may take some time as well, especially when your website has many URLs. During this time, you can also face some changes in your website’s ranking.

What is the worst-case scenario? You may experience a big or we can also say, a major fall in your website’s rankings. Your major pages may also cast down some pages. The worst thing is that your site can also drop out from the top 10 pages. This can lessen your page views and errors like the wrong turn may lose your link juice. Without good planning, your hard work for months or years may lead to a big loss. 

Tips on how you can avoid losing all your work

Here is how you can change the URL without affecting SEO. The way of changing URL without any big rank changes is arrangements. Your aim must be to move link juice from one page to another; there are some good ways through which you can do better.

301 redirects

Shifting from one URL to another, the one thing you have to keep in mind is 301 redirects. It tells Google that you are shifting from one URL to another permanently. This is also a good way to pass your link juice; however, make sure that before starting, make an index where your old URL proceeds. You should also make sure that any of your rankings are not getting off the right track.

Keep 90% of the Content

If you are trying to move on from one domain to another, and you do not want to lose your ranking, then it is necessary that you keep 90% of your content the same as it was. Why? If your old ranking was good then it means that Google considers your content as relevant and high quality, which means that if you want to maintain your existing ranking, you should keep at least 90% of your content the same.

It is good to keep your website up to date and one of the ways can be updating your URL or domain. When updating your URL, it is important to be careful you do not harm aspects of your website. If you would like help with your website and changing your URL, Portkey SEO Solutions is a great resource! Reach out to us in Lake Elmo, MN today and we will answer any questions you may have.

Website Design in Lake Elmo MN

Website Design in Lake Elmo MN

Website Design in Lake Elmo MN