Re: FN-FORUM: SEO & ISAPI

date posted 1st October 2007 15:06

Paul Cooper wrote:
> Hi
>
> I've used an ISAPI rewrite tool to make URLs for products the name of
> the product rather than ?id=222.
>
> If the name of the product is changed, the URL will change too. What
> will happen with google if the previous isapi url has already
> established itself in google? I'm assuming the link will be broken
> and it will lose it's ranking. Is there any way to prevent this?
>
> TIA
> Paul
>
>
Hi,

The obvious solution is not to use a field that can change for creating
the URLs - e.g. generate your own fixed fields for the URL if using a
database. It can be time consuming to begin with, but avoids problems
associated with minor changes. You have to weigh up how often you think
the product names with change to the effort required. Not always easy
though, and sometimes it may be better to use the new name anyway.

Otherwise if you know which links change, set up a permanently moved
redirect (on linux it's in the .htaccess file using an R=301 - I think
ISAPI can handle the same on M$?). I've used these when I've adjusted
sets of URLs.

Presumably all links within the site pointing to the product pages are
updated automatically when a product name changes?

It may also be wroth setting up Google Webmaster Tools and keep an eye
on the errors page, particularly not found errors - then you can see if
you missed something.

Steve.