Directories...

[Aftermath_SEO]

So, I have a website, and I have a few pages in directories, and the rest are normal with extensions (i.e. example.com/blah.html instead of example.com/blah/)

Now, the directory page isnt ranking yet for a targeting keyword (although I am still in the process of link building to the page w/ anchor text), however, could it be because it is the odd man out being one of the only pages within a directory?

Also, I would really like to move all my pages into directories, however some of the internal pages are ranking really well and I do not want to lose that once switching. Has anyone has experiences with using 301s to redirect so sub directories without loosing rankings?

[dignan99]

I think time is the biggest element here, as there is a chance that the content has yet to be crawled or indexed.  While I have read that there is benefit to having links as close to the root page/domain as possible, I don't believe pages being a directory or two away matters all that much.

You would definitely want to do proper redirection if you are going to change your url structure site wide. If you are utilizing a platform like wordpress this is rather easy.

You might also want to consider keeping the current structure in tact, and creating links on the previous well ranked page.  I would most likely go with the 301 redirect, but have seen popular blogs/sites simply put a link on the previous page to the new page.  That way the popular page will still be seen but the new link will be easily crawled and indexed.

[RyanKent]

The first question I would ask is, why do you wish to change your current structure? What benefit does it offer you or your visitors? If there isn't a clear, direct benefit I would advise against making a change.

If there is a benefit and you wish to make the change, it shouldn't be a problem at all. You can re-arrange your site as long as you 301 every page properly. There will be a minor loss of link juice, but if this is indeed an improvement for your site, that loss should be offset by your improved site navigation.

I don't believe the directory page you mention is not ranking due to being the only page in a directory. The questions I would ask are how deep is that page within your site? I do not mean how many directories deep. I refer to how many clicks would a user need to make to arrive on that page from your home page? If a user can get there is one click, it should be indexed relatively quickly. If it takes several clicks, then that page is buried within your site and it can take longer to be indexed.

[Aftermath_SEO]

The reason I would like to make the change, is to make the urls easier for visitors to remember, also, to make the urls look more professional. I personally feel that example.com/blah.html just looks kind of sloppy.

Thanks for your answers.