Absolute Links vs. Relative Links—SEO Value

The debate between absolute links and relative links continues to live on in the SEO world. The individual significance of each has been contested, but it is widely regarded that absolute links provide better SEO value on the whole than relative links.

Many believe that absolute links have less potential for getting messed up when search engines index your page. It shouldn’t really make a difference, but many conclude that this is reason enough.

Quite simply, a relative link is relative to the current page. In the above example, it’s right next to the current page (think: in the same folder). If the file is moved from where it is, then the link could break (it most likely will). With absolute links, you’re giving the exact, full address (URL) to the page.

Furthermore, content scrapers and RSS services may ‘repurpose’ your content legitimately (or not). In either case, shouldn’t a proper back-link be attributed to your site? This situation favors absolute links. Although this is a minor argument, it’s still worth considering. To have more accuracy and security in building, sharing, and promoting links for the common user; absolute links are the way to go and our preferred method of use. If you are looking to have flexibility and portability in your link for website building, construction, and developmental purposes then relative links are the way to go, but should only be used by more advanced users.