What is a Permalink in WordPress?

WordPress Permalink Settings customization interface screenshot.

A permalink, short for “permanent link,” is the full URL used to access individual pages or posts on your WordPress website. It’s a permanent internet address for each piece of content.

  • Purpose: The main function of a permalink is to provide a stable, unchanging link to your content, making it easy for visitors and search engines to find and reference your posts and pages.
  • Customization: WordPress allows you to customize your permalinks. This means you can choose a structure that includes the post name, date, category, or a custom text, making your URLs more informative and SEO-friendly.
  • How to Modify: You can change the structure of your permalinks by going to “Settings” > “Permalinks” in your WordPress dashboard. Here, you can select one of the predefined structures or create a custom one.

Permalinks are vital for navigation, sharing, and the overall SEO performance of your site. Changing them after publishing content should be done cautiously to avoid broken links.