Absolute URLs

Often, through the course of web design, we are given the choice to use absolute or relative URLs within our tags. Some prominent locations that include URLs are anchor tag hyper reference attributes (i.e. link destinations), image source attributes, and source attributes for external CSS and scripting files. Many of us default to relative URLs simply because they are easier to read and faster to implement.

However, some data suggests that it may be a good practice to use absolute URLs instead. The key reason behind this lies in how search engine spiders rank URLs. Whether or not a page can be reached using several different variations on the same URL is irrelevant to them. Thus, to a search engine spider, http://somesite.com, http://www.somesite.com, and http://www.somesite.com/index.html are all different pages, even if they reach the same file.

By using absolute URLs consistent in your internal link structure as well those inbound from link sharers and partners, the search engine spiders know which variation to which they should give credit. This allows you to concentrate your SEO efforts for greater effect rather than have your link pool diluted across several URLs. By using 301 redirects in conjunction with this, you can gain maximum benefit from all of your links, even those inbound to alternate URLs.