Permalink Structure Docs (wysiwyg)

[imgnx]

Issue Description

The documentation containing instructions to edit permalinks is too technical and many hosting platforms now limit SSH access. The new documentation should show users how to use the Settings > Permalink feature of WordPress@latest.

Note: SFTP is a viable option, but not for wysiwyg (non-API) users.

Linked to #30

URL of the Page with the Issue

https://wordpress.org/support/article/using-permalinks/

Section of Page with the issue

https://wordpress.org/support/article/using-permalinks/#using-pretty-permalinks
https://wordpress.org/support/article/using-permalinks/#fixing-permalink-problems
https://wordpress.org/support/article/using-permalinks/#tips-and-tricks

Why is this a problem?

Because this is too technical for front-end wysiwyg users.

Suggested Fix

1. Remove all documentation instructing users to edit .htaccess by hand.
2. Leave the instructions on how to update .htaccess automatically — rename it to "Updating your Permalinks".

Correct instructions: https://wordpress.org/support/article/using-permalinks/#automatically-updating-htaccess

[imgnx]

Can I be assigned to this, please?

[imgnx]

I would also like to add that these docs should probably mention something about setting up 301 redirects since that can have a negative impact on a multitude of things.

[imgnx]

Bear with me because this is my first edit. 😅 ...

A lot of the content on this document should simply be moved to the development documentation — namely all of the content that contains code and/or anything instructing users to edit their .htaccess file.

The main part that needs to be added to this document goes something like this...

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⚠️ Fixing SEO Problems with 301 Redirects

Whenever you change your permalink structure, any old links that still exist on the internet will be broken — including links to sites that are indexed by search engines such as Google. If you change your permalink structure, you should also create 301 redirects — allowing search engines to continue crawling your site and preventing users from getting a 404 error when clicking on a link that follows your previous permalink structure. One of the plugins in our library that support 301 Redirection with a large user/install base would cover much of your requirements.

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Everything else about .htaccess can probably be removed or transferred to the Dev Docs.

[imgnx]

Maybe this is a better search term? https://wordpress.org/plugins/search/seo+301+redirect/

[github-actions]

Heads up @docs-reviewers - the "[Status] Review" label was applied to this issue.