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Configuring the WordPress Permalink Structure

WordPress uses permalinks (permanent URLs) to display posts and pages. By default, these URLs include a query string like ?p=123, which is functional but not user‑friendly. On ruachost.com, you can configure permalinks to create cleaner, SEO‑friendly URLs.

  • Improves readability for visitors.
  • Enhances SEO by including keywords in URLs.
  • Makes links easier to share and remember.
  1. Log in to WordPress with an administrator account.

  2. In the dashboard, go to Settings → Permalinks.

  3. Under Common Settings, choose one of the following options:

    • Day and name → https://example.com/2025/11/20/sample-post/
    • Month and name → https://example.com/2025/11/sample-post/
    • Numeric → https://example.com/archives/123
    • Post name → https://example.com/sample-post/ (recommended for SEO)
    • Custom Structure → Define your own format using tags (e.g., /blog/%postname%/).

    For a full list of available structure tags, see WordPress Codex.

  4. Under Optional Settings, you can customize:

    • Category base → Change /category/ to a custom prefix.
    • Tag base → Change /tag/ to a custom prefix.
  5. Click Save Changes.

  6. WordPress will immediately update all URLs for your posts and pages.

  • Changing permalinks may break existing links—set up 301 redirects to preserve SEO.
  • Always test your site after updating permalinks.
  • Use simple, keyword‑rich structures for best results