When it comes to displaying filtered content on your WordPress website, Crocoblock’s JetSmartFilters provides a powerful solution. One essential setting in this plugin is the URL Structure Type, which allows you to control how the URLs for your filtered content are presented. In this blog post, we’ll explore the two options, Plain and Permalink, and guide you in selecting the most suitable URL structure for your needs.
The URL Structure Type is a setting that allows you to control how the URLs for your filtered content are displayed. You can choose between two options: Plain and Permalink.
Plain
The Plain option will create URLs that are simply the name of the post type or taxonomy followed by the filters that have been applied. For example, a post type of “posts” with the filters “category=1” and “tag=2” would have a URL of “posts/category/1/tag/2“. Plain URLs are simple and straightforward.
Permalink
The Permalink option will create URLs that are more user-friendly and SEO-friendly. For example, the same post type and filters would have a URL of “posts/category-1/tag-2“.
The Permalink option also allows you to select which post types and taxonomies you want to have their URLs rewritten. This can be useful if you only want certain types of content to be filtered by URL. Permalinks are designed to be descriptive and easy for both users and search engines to understand.
Which option should you choose?
The best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you want simple URLs that are easy to remember, then the Plain option is a good choice. If you want URLs that are more user-friendly and SEO-friendly, then the Permalink option is a better choice.
- SEO Benefits: Permalinks are generally regarded as better for SEO. Their descriptive nature makes it easier for search engines to index your content accurately and improve your website’s visibility.
- User Experience: Plain URLs, with their simplicity, can be easier for users to remember. However, permalinks offer more user-friendly URLs by providing additional information about the content being filtered. This can enhance the overall browsing experience for your visitors.
Which option to choose depending on your goal
SEO: use (Permalinks)
Permalinks are generally considered to be better for SEO than plain URLs. This is because they are more descriptive and easier for search engines to index your content accurately and improve your website’s visibility.
User experience: use (Permalinks or Plain)
Plain URLs can be easier for users to remember than permalinks. However, permalinks can be more user-friendly because they can provide more information about the content that is being filtered. This can enhance the overall browsing experience for your visitors.
Performance: use (Plain)
Permalinks can sometimes slow down your website. This is because WordPress has to rewrite the URLs every time a page is loaded. However, this is usually not a significant issue and should not greatly affect your site’s performance. Caching and CDNs can help with this. More on that here.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the most suitable URL Structure Type depends on your specific needs and preferences. To summarize the options:
- If you prefer straightforward and easily remembered URLs, the Plain option is a good choice for you.
- If you value user-friendliness and SEO optimization, the Permalink option is the way to go. These URLs provide more descriptive information, aiding both users and search engines in understanding your content.
Ultimately, the best way to choose an URL Structure Type is to experiment and see what works best for you.
