I have a website that ranks well for certain keywords. If I change the URL from com/flashcards to com/turkishflashcards to incorporate my keyword, would it affect my ranking?
Changing a URL, even to incorporate a keyword, can negatively affect your website’s ranking. While it might seem like a good idea to include the target keyword in the URL, search engines view it as a significant change, potentially causing a drop in rankings.
Search engines like Google use the URL as a factor in determining the relevance of a page. Changing it can signal to the search engine that the content of the page has changed, even if it hasn’t. This can lead to a temporary or even permanent drop in rankings while the search engine re-evaluates the page.
Instead of changing the URL, consider using other strategies to incorporate your keyword, such as:
- Using the keyword in your page title and headings: This is a more effective way to signal to search engines what your page is about.
- Using the keyword naturally in your page content: Make sure the keyword is relevant to the content of your page and use it naturally throughout the text.
- Building high-quality backlinks to your page: This can help to improve your website’s authority and rankings.
Remember, it’s important to approach website optimization strategically. Avoid making major changes to your website, including URL changes, without careful consideration and testing.