Odoo is a powerful open-source ERP system that includes a fully functional blogging module. While the platform offers great features for content management, users often need to customize the default URL structure for better readability, SEO optimization, and branding. By default, Odoo generates URLs using IDs and slugs, which may not always be ideal for search engines or user experience. This article explores the URL structure of Odoo blogs and provides a step-by-step guide on customizing them.
Understanding Odoo’s Blog URL Structure
Odoo automatically assigns URLs to blog posts based on a predefined pattern. Typically, the URL format looks like
The numeric ID in the URL can sometimes make it less readable and not SEO-friendly. Businesses and content creators often want to modify these URLs to make them more user-friendly and aligned with their branding.
Why Change Default Blog URLs in Odoo?
There are several reasons to change the default blog URLs in Odoo:
SEO Optimization
:Custom URLs with relevant keywords improve search engine rankings.
User Experience:
Clean and meaningful URLs are easier to remember and share.
Branding
Custom URLs help reinforce your brand identity.
Avoiding Duplicate Content Issues:Shorter and well-structured URLs reduce the risk of duplicate content issues.
How to Change the Default Blog URL in Odoo
Odoo does not provide a direct interface to edit blog URLs, but you can modify them using the website and backend settings. Follow these methods to customize your blog URLs effectively.
Modify the Blog Slug in Odoo Backend
One of the simplest ways to change a blog URL is by modifying the slug in the backend:
Navigate to Website > Blog in Odoo.
Open the blog post you want to edit.
Locate the Slug field and update it with your desired URL.
Save the changes and refresh your website to see the new URL.
This method is useful when you only need to change specific blog post URLs.
Using Odoo’s Website Builder
If you are using Odoo’s website builder, follow these steps:
Open your website in edit mode.Navigate to the blog post you want to modify.
Click on the post title and check the settings for the URL.
Update the slug with a custom name.
Save the changes and test the new URL.
URL Rewriting with Odoo Redirects
For advanced customization, you can use URL rewriting by adding redirects:
Go to Website > Configuration > Redirects.
Click on Create and enter the original URL.
Enter the new desired URL.
Select the 301 Permanent Redirect option.
Save and apply the changes.
This method ensures that any old URLs automatically redirect to the new ones without losing SEO rankings.
How to Change the URL Blog in Custom Modules
If you need deeper customization, such as removing numeric IDs or enforcing a specific structure, you can modify the code in a custom module. Here’s how:
Create a new custom module or edit an existing one.
Override the blog controller (website_blog/controllers/main.py).
Modify the URL routing logic to change the way URLs are generated.
Restart the Odoo server and update your module.
By implementing this method, you can have full control over your blog’s URL structure.
Best Practices for SEO-Friendly Blog URLs in Odoo
When customizing blog URLs, keep these best practices in mind:
Use short, descriptive, and keyword-rich URLs.
unless necessary.
Implement redirects for any changed URLs to avoid broken links.
Ensure URLs remain consistent across your website.
Regularly update and monitor your blog URLs for any issues.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Blog URL Changes Not Reflecting
Clear your Odoo cache by restarting the server.
Flush the browser cache and refresh the page.
Ensure that no conflicting modules override your URL changes.
Broken Links After URL Change
Use 301 redirects to forward old URLs to the new ones.
Update any internal links pointing to the old URLs.
URLs Still Contain Numeric IDs
Check if the ID removal requires deeper code-level customization.
Override the default controller to enforce a new structure.
Conclusion
Odoo provides great flexibility for managing blogs, but the default URL structure may not always be ideal. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can optimize your blog URLs for SEO, user experience, and branding. Whether you prefer modifying slugs in the backend, using redirects, or customizing URL routing through code, you now have the tools to create cleaner and more meaningful blog URLs in Odoo.
By applying these strategies, you can ensure that your blog posts rank better on search engines, provide a seamless experience for users, and reinforce your brand identity effectively
