Looking for list Pro's & Con's of removing Folder from URL?

[Frankie-BTDublin]

Hi

We have a sub-folder ("/shop-by-department/") which is pretty much useless on our site and I'm looking to remove it. But the team want a list of the Pro's & Con's in doing so.

So for example I'll be changing www.example.ie/shop-by-department/furniture/beds/product-a to www.example.ie/furniture/beds/product-a

I know there will be an intial hit as Google adjusts to the change but think it's definitely the way to go. I was lookng for a complete list of the Pro's & Con's to send onto the team. It'll be going to the traditional marketing (print, radio, etc.) too so can ve top-level points too.

Hope you can help!

Thanks

[jasongmcmahon]

There are no cons (that I can see) to losing the "/shop-by-department/" folder, the new URL structure you illustrated is better as it offers an opportunity to add pertinent keywords.

Just be sure you have your 301 redirects set up correctly.