Thanks Sam, I will keep my fingers crossed Google like the new structure, but importantly it is going to be a better experience for the user.

Thanks John, much appreciated. I think this could work. The only thing is the current sub categories won't be sitting under the previous more general category. In most cases it is these sub-categories that are actually better ranked than the main category as they are more specific.

If I created a new general category and effectively moved the current sub-categories to this new one with the 301 redirects for them that would still free up the main category url I need and then keep the equity built up in my sub categories?

Hi,

We have a current category set up that is starting to rank OK but we are going through a site re-build and this category URL will now better describe a new category of products.

My dilemma is if I 301 redirect the current url to my new category I won't be able to use the URL for the new one. But if I don't redirect it will the pages that have already been ranked under this url then confuse customers and search engines.

For example - Products and sub-categories under the URL /personalised-toys will now become /personalised-toys-for-boys but I want to use the /personalised-toys URL for a different set of sub categories and products.

Any assistance or ideas or just definitely don't do it in a particular way would be greatly appreciated