When linking pages in HTML or WordPress, should you use a relative or an absolute link? Both have advantages, but choosing the wrong one can lead to broken links, poor SEO, or unnecessary complexity.
This guide breaks down the differences between relative and absolute links, with examples to help you choose the right type every time.
1. What Are Absolute Links?
Absolute links include the full web address, including the domain name.
Example:
<a href="https://www.example.com/page.html">View Page</a>Learn more in our detailed post on
👉 Absolute Links Explained.
2. What Are Relative Links?
Relative links reference a resource based on the current page’s location.
Example:
<a href="/page.html">View Page</a>See our guide on
👉 Relative Links
for syntax and examples.
3. Key Differences Between Relative and Absolute Links
| Feature | Relative Link | Absolute Link |
|---|---|---|
| Includes domain? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Works in emails/feed? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Easier to move? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Best for internal pages | ✅ Yes | ✅ Sometimes |
4. Which One Should You Use?
Use relative links when linking internally (within your site).
Use absolute links when referencing external sites, images, or resources.
5. SEO Impact
From an SEO perspective, both are fine — but be consistent. Search engines can process relative URLs correctly, but absolute links can sometimes provide clearer references in sitemaps and canonical tags.
Build SEO-Friendly Sites with Expert Help
The best websites use a combination of both link types strategically.
At Webful Creations, we build WordPress websites with perfect linking structures — improving crawlability, site speed, and user navigation.
Related Reading
FAQs About Relative vs Absolute Links
1. What’s the main difference between relative and absolute links?
Relative links depend on the current page’s location, while absolute links contain the full URL (domain + path). Absolute links are universal; relative links are local.
2. Which is better for SEO: relative or absolute links?
Both work fine for SEO. However, absolute links can be easier for search engines to crawl across subdomains, while relative links make internal maintenance simpler.
3. Should I always use absolute links?
No, not always. Use relative links for internal pages and absolute links for external or cross-domain linking.
4. Why do developers prefer relative links?
Relative links make development easier, especially when migrating between servers or environments. They’re shorter and cleaner.
5. Do search engines treat relative links differently?
No. Google converts relative links to absolute ones when crawling your site. What matters most is consistent internal linking and proper structure.
