Absolute Links vs. Relative Links: Which Is Better for SEO?

Absolute links and relative links are two types of links that can be used to connect different pages on the web. Both types of links have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to choose the right type of link for each situation.

Absolute links

An absolute link includes the full URL of the destination page, including the domain name, protocol, and path. For example, the following is an absolute link:

https://www.example.com/my-page/

Absolute links are more reliable and easier for search engines to crawl and index. They are also less likely to break if the structure of your website changes.

Relative links

A relative link only includes the path to the destination page relative to the current page. For example, the following is a relative link:

my-page/

Relative links are more concise and easier to read than absolute links. They can also be useful for creating internal links within your website. However, relative links can be more difficult for search engines to crawl and index, and they are more likely to break if the structure of your website changes.

SEO value

In general, absolute links are considered to be better for SEO than relative links. This is because absolute links are more reliable and easier for search engines to crawl and index. Additionally, absolute links provide more information to search engines about the destination page, which can help to improve the ranking of both pages in search results.

However, there are some situations where it may be better to use relative links. For example, if you are creating an internal link to a page that is likely to be moved or renamed in the future, it is better to use a relative link. This will prevent the link from breaking when the page is moved or renamed.

Here are some tips for using absolute links and relative links effectively:

• Use absolute links for external links to other websites.
• Use relative links for internal links within your website.
• Use absolute links for images, videos, and other files that are hosted on your website.
• Use absolute links for images, videos, and other files that are hosted on other websites, but only if you have permission to do so.

By following these tips, you can use absolute links and relative links effectively to improve your website’s SEO and user experience.