WooCommerce Permalink structure - Is this real life??

4 replies
  • SEO
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Woocommerce makes it mandatory to have /product/ in the url structure (example: domain.com/product/product-page-title). I wanted to remove this from the structure of my site because it hurts SEO when you are going up against domain.com/product-page-title.

I was suprised when i found this page https://docs.woocommerce.com/documen...from-the-urls/ that they basically say to not remove it because it could hurt some wordpress functionality.

to me this is like if wordpress made /blog-post/ a mandatory part of the url structure and were like "yeah... iuno bro. probly just leave it"

its 2017. how is this still mandatory in the url structure?? And don't say "linking issues".... they need to fix it. its not 2007 anymore.
#life #permalink #real #structure #woocommerce
  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    As much as I agree there should be a solution to this, the thing to keep in mind.. WordPress and WooCommerce are 2 separate things. WooCommerce is just a plugin, it can only work within the workings of WordPress. WordPress is specifically where the issue is located.

    There are actually plug-ins that correct the issue.. as I see it as they may fix the issue at hand, in the long run, they can only make things worse. The plugins create redirects, which I guess is a good work around. The issue is when WordPress does an update... and all of those 3XX redirects turn into 4XX errors. ( because the plugin is not updated ) Errors are not good for SEO There are specifically some errors that when encountered by Googles bot, can basically drop your pages position to the bottom of the list as it were. Not really something I personally would even consider.

    If you feel that the URL structure is placing you at a disadvantage, instead of complaining about it, wouldn't it make more sense to find a workable stable work around? The reality is there are indeed work arounds. using the shortcodes listed here: https://docs.woocommerce.com/documen...ce-shortcodes/ you could technically create a WordPress page that functions as a WooCommerce page, with a better looking URL.

    For me however, here is the issue. I personally am a bit of a fan of the WooCommerce URL structure. It really is good for UX. When you go out and look at the big boys of online commerce and notice their URL's... they are ugly, but they rank just fine. The URL is not holding you back, if anything, using the slugs correctly should actually be helping you.

    Just my 2 cents worth


    Originally Posted by brodel34 View Post

    Woocommerce makes it mandatory to have /product/ in the url structure (example: domain.com/product/product-page-title). I wanted to remove this from the structure of my site because it hurts SEO when you are going up against domain.com/product-page-title.

    I was suprised when i found this page https://docs.woocommerce.com/documen...from-the-urls/ that they basically say to not remove it because it could hurt some wordpress functionality.

    to me this is like if wordpress made /blog-post/ a mandatory part of the url structure and were like "yeah... iuno bro. probly just leave it"

    its 2017. how is this still mandatory in the url structure?? And don't say "linking issues".... they need to fix it. its not 2007 anymore.
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  • Profile picture of the author Raff
    If it's a new site you're building, you can change the permalinks without worries by going to settings>permalinks.

    To remove categories all together, just use "Remove Category URL" plugin and you should be all set.

    You may also use Yoast SEO as an easier solution and additional control on SEO titles, focus keywords etc.
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    • Profile picture of the author brodel34
      Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

      If you feel that the URL structure is placing you at a disadvantage, instead of complaining about it, wouldn't it make more sense to find a workable stable work around?
      but isn't that beside the point? i posted the link to woocommerce where they advise against it because it could harm functionality of wordpress.

      I wish it was as easy as you are making it.

      Originally Posted by Raff View Post

      If it's a new site you're building, you can change the permalinks without worries by going to settings>permalinks.

      To remove categories all together, just use "Remove Category URL" plugin and you should be all set.

      You may also use Yoast SEO as an easier solution and additional control on SEO titles, focus keywords etc.
      you have literally never used woocommerce before, have you
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by brodel34 View Post

        I wish it was as easy as you are making it.
        but it is... create a "PAGE" and not a "Post" and then use the woocommerce shortcodes that I gave you and build out your own product pages for the products that need a bit of a boost.

        Using a "PAGE" is going to give you the structure you are looking for.
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