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WordPress Mistake Tip #2: Changing Permalinks

January 09, 2015    Reading Time: < 1 Minute

Permalinks? Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Permalinks are the address to a web page.

For instance: graticle.com/?p=903 or graticle.com/services.

In WordPress, both of the web addresses above go to the same place.

The first URL ending in /?p=903 is WordPress’ default permalink (appropriately called an Ugly Permalink). The second URL ending in /services is called a Pretty Permalink and is available within WordPress with a simple change.

A lot of beginning WordPress users aren’t aware of how to change this setting, or don’t make it a priority to do so.

The best reason for choosing Pretty Permalinks are that they’re readable, user-friendly and easy to share. Referring someone to graticle.com/services is a bit more memorable than asking them to type in graticle.com/?p=903.

Plus, these Pretty Permalinks will show up in search engines, allowing users to get an idea of what your web page is about:

Permalinks in Google Search

How to Change Permalinks in WordPress

Now that you’re all up-to-speed, here’s how to change your Permalink structure in WordPress:

Changing Permalinks in WordPress

The most popular or standard Permalink Setting is Post Name.

This allows the title of your page to become the Permalink like you saw with /services in the example above.

If you’d like more information on the other Permalink Settings (when to use, etc.), you can read all about it.

And, Done.

Want More WordPress Tips?

Check out our WordPress Mistake #1: Selecting Image Sizes

Written by Shawn Hooghkirk on January 09, 2015

Last updated on August 31, 2016. Shawn is the President of Graticle, Inc.

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We recently hired Graticle to design our new website, which is optimized for content marketing. Shawn not only is a terrific digital design talent, he also has a wealth of knowledge about how to visually and verbally guide site visitors through a sales funnel. He carefully planned every design element to deliver a powerful call to action, and helped us edit our content to avoid leading users in the wrong direction. Shawn also is one of the most efficient, pleasant and professional designers we’ve ever worked with. He delivered everything in an orderly way, communicated frequently throughout the process, and rapidly adopted our project management system. He delivered great work on time and on budget. Graticle is truly one of the best web companies we’ve ever worked with. Highly recommended.

Maverick Institute

Maverick Institute

www.MaverickInstitute.com

Portland, Oregon

The BEST graphic artist I have worked with in the past 20 years. Found him (surprisingly) on Craigslist. Extremely fast, affordable, and the best quality of work I’ve ever received. He very carefully listened to my ideas and produced graphics exactly reflecting my vision. Shawn’s work exceeded my expectations. His quality of work was also complimented by the printing company who usually reserves comments.

Candy Jackson

Portland, Oregon