So just recently I updated a section of my site link structure in order to better route content on the individual pages. So, www.mysite.com/example.html became www.mysite.com/example.html?cat=1?&type=2 These url variables are "static" and don't change dynamically; so www.mysite.com/example.html?cat=1&type=2 will always remain the same. When I made the change I thought url variables are ignored so did not realize that this would affect my ranking. But this week I read that it would. So my questions: 1. Do I need to provide 301 redirects for my pages? So, do I need to 301 redirect example.html to example.html?cat=1&type=2 2. How is adding url variables affecting my ranking? 3. Do I need to update my sitemap.xml url to include the url variables? Personally if I had a choice I'd not do this but I don't have a Database so I need to use url variables to maintain large number of files. Would it be better if I go for extension-less website in the long run? Any tips, suggestions, insights greatly appreciated!
1. Probably 2. Negatively 3. Yes Also, does $type=2&cat=1 resolve to the same content? If so, then you have yet another problem. One URL per page is the rule. If you are doing anything that could break that rule you are shooting yourself in the foot.
1. Do I need to provide 301 redirects for my pages? So, do I need to 301 redirect example.html to example.html?cat=1&type=2 Yes, redirect them to whatever version you want to be your main version. Then use the canonical tag for anything that would have a dup. URL for the same page... 2. How is adding url variables affecting my ranking? Negative. Bad for Users and SE's...no one likes a URL with tons of question marks and equal signs. Especially not users. Harder to link to... 3. Do I need to update my sitemap.xml url to include the url variables? Yes, but make sure you use the canonical tag on anything that would resolve 2 URL's to the same page...VERY IMPORTANT or you can run into dup. content issues as well as leak link juice.