Why should I keep the same URL structure when updating an old website?

Short Answer: Keeping the same URL structure is important because each specific page within a domain has its own age and ranking, which contributes to SEO benefits. Changing URLs risks losing this valuable ranking history.

Full Explanation

When you update an old website, it might be tempting to reorganize and change the URLs for your pages. However, it’s essential to understand that it’s not only your overall domain that has existed for some time and built authority, but individual pages within the site also carry their own aging effects and SEO ranks. These pages have accumulated trust and relevance in search engine results, which helps maintain or improve your site’s visibility. If you alter the URL structure, you may lose the SEO value tied to those original URLs, affecting your search rankings negatively.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Recognize the value of page age: Each page inside your domain has its own lifespan and ranking power, built over time.
Understand the SEO implications: Older URLs with established rankings contribute positively to your website’s visibility on search engines.
Avoid changing URL structures: Keeping URLs consistent preserves the ranking history of individual pages.
Maintain SEO benefits: By preserving URLs, your site benefits from accumulated authority and rankings, reducing the risk of traffic loss.

Real Examples

Consider a page on your site that has been indexed and ranked well by search engines due to its content and longevity. If you keep its URL unchanged during an update, the page retains its SEO value and continues to rank as before. Conversely, if you change the URL, the page essentially becomes a new one to search engines, causing you to lose this valuable position.

Common Mistakes

Changing the URL structure without proper redirects or planning.
Ignoring the SEO value of individual pages’ history and rankings.
Assuming only the domain’s age matters and overlooking individual page URLs.
Failing to recognize how URL changes can negatively impact search engine rankings.

FAQs

Q: What happens if I change my URL structure?
A: Changing your URLs can cause loss of page ranking and SEO benefits associated with the original URLs, potentially leading to a drop in traffic.

Q: Can I update my website’s design but keep the URLs?
A: Yes, updating the design while preserving the URL structure helps maintain SEO rankings and page authority.

Key Takeaways

Your website’s individual pages have their own age and ranking in addition to the overall domain.
Maintaining the same URL structure preserves these SEO advantages when updating an old site.
Avoid changing URLs to prevent loss of ranking and SEO value.
Retaining URLs is a simple yet crucial step in protecting your website’s search engine performance during updates.