New URL structure - should I apply it to old URLs too?

[fenimor]

Hi,

I want to change url structure for well established site (PR8, 50K+ content pages)

I want to change URLs from my-site.com/page{unique-id}.html to my-site.com/category/{unique-id}.html

Thus, my options are - I can keep old files as it is now, and only use new URL structure for new pages or is it better to add 301 redirect for old files and make every URL consistent?

[tedster]

If you have both options available technically, the choice is yours. I can see how retaining the old url structure might get a bit crazt for you over time, but certainly changing urls for exisitng content has risks, even when you use a 301.

I've done both - and really it's only the perfectionist tecchie in me that cares about url consistency across the site. I haven't seen anything to indicate that Google cares one whit.

[supafresh]

Given a chance to start over and do it better id go with 301's :)

[ecmedia]

My recommendation is to leave the old ones alone unless you enjoy playing with fire and do not mind consequences like loss of rankings and steep swings in traffic.

[Philosopher]

I always vote for not making URL structure changes unless it is absolutely necessary. It can simply cause too many problems even if done properly.

[supafresh]

301 redirects are acceptable, site redesigns are in the scope of the google aglo. I would worry on a 100 page pr1 website but you have a PR8 50k+ website, your new url's would show up within 24 hours.