Extensionless URLs

Schools may request extensionless URLs—those that do not end with a trailing slash or a file extension—for reasons like preserving previous URL structures, search engine optimization (SEO) concerns, or to follow web design trends. However, Modern Campus CMS is structured differently, and using extensionless URLs can complicate site management and is not supported by Modern Campus hosting. If your site was hosted by a third-party provider and used extensionless URLs, we will not be able to accommodate them on Modern Campus Hosting.

Why Modern Campus CMS Doesn't Need Extensionless URLsLink to this section

Unlike database-driven CMS systems (e.g., WordPress), Modern Campus CMS uses a file and folder structure. Each page is a file (.php, .html) with clear URLs that inherently have good semantic meaning. Extensionless URLs are typically used in database-driven systems to enhance SEO and readability—needs that Modern Campus CMS already addresses through its structure.

The presence of an extension has little to no effect on SEO. Search engines prioritize content relevance, page authority, and structure over URL extensions. 

Modern Campus CMS ApproachLink to this section

To migrate smoothly to Modern Campus CMS and maintain SEO-friendly URLs:

1. Use File Extensions: Leverage the CMS’s inherent URL structure without forcing a workaround.
2. Implement 301 Redirects: If previous URLs were extensionless, use 301 redirects during migration to map old URLs to the new ones.

Adopting extensionless URLs in Modern Campus CMS can undermine system efficiency and create unnecessary complications. Stick with the platform’s native structure to ensure stability, ease of use, and optimal site performance.