Can i change my permalink after i`ve been backlinking the url ? Will i lose rankings ?

[jimkirk1943]

Hi guys,
I have a inner page with a huge long permalink because when i first wrote the article i gave it a long title so the permalink is long too.

I have backlinked the page but i was wondering if i could change the permalink and cut it down to just the keywords ?

I have actually tryed this but when i check the page with the shortened permalink the backlinks are not showing which i understand why i just wondered if i would lose rankings if i kept the shortened url with no backlink showing when checked and started backlinking it ?

I have for the time changed it back to the original url with long permalink but would really like to shorten the url to make it more easy to backlink but as this page is actually on page one of google for the keyword i wondered if it was worth doing or should i just let it be ?

Thanks Jim

[Heavenstorm]

I strongly believe you will lose ranking as this is almost the same as creating a new post/page with new permalink.

[honed]

Are you on WP?

If so, is stupidly easy to make a redirect. Keep the old link for juice from existing backlinks, but redirect it to the shortened link page.

[jimkirk1943]

Originally Posted by honed

Are you on WP?

If so, is stupidly easy to make a redirect. Keep the old link for juice from existing backlinks, but redirect it to the shortened link page.

Hi could you just expand on this alittle for me i am on WP
Thanks Jim

[crismanaon]

Absolutely you will loss keyword ranking if your back links remove.

[honed]

Originally Posted by jimkirk1943

Hi could you just expand on this alittle for me i am on WP
Thanks Jim

Sure. WP is super easy to create redirects. Essentially you do this:

Go get this plugin: Page Links To « Tempus Fugit by Mark Jaquith

Install and activate it.

So you have:
www.abcd.com/reallylongurl and you want www.abcd.com/newurl

Go your WP/Pages/reallylongurl. At the bottom, you will see Page Links to and "Point to this URL: "

In that box, put the new URL.

Now, you can use the newurl, stop posting the reallylongurl and forward it as long as it gets traffic.

That should do it. PM me if you have questions.