Search Engine Optimized URL Design Guidelines
So, what is the ideal URL that satisfies the whims of search engines and the desires of users? Below, we share URL design tips you may have heard about but forgotten.
The first rule for cell phone number list creating optimized URLs is that they match the content of the page. The addresses should provide information about the content posted on the pages: be it a blog, a directory, or the main page. In any case, you should not use random numbers and symbols in URLs. Try to organically fit keywords into the address. Also, remember that each page of your site has a specific purpose and target group.
Use only relevant keywords
In addition to the previous point, SEO-friendly URLs should contain 1-3 keywords, which should also be placed in the title and meta description of the relevant page. This will highlight the relevance of the topic for both users and search engines. Also, do not use unnecessary keywords for different search queries, as search engines may perceive this as spam.
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Avoid long and complex URLs
URL optimization is aimed at creating readable and less confusing structures to improve user experience. In particular, we recommend removing special characters, as they are a danger zone for SEO practices. For example, using square brackets, slashes, percent signs, dollar signs, etc., can lead to problems with broken links. In addition, special characters make URLs difficult to read for both users and search engines.
Don't use stop words
Stop words (such as “and,” “or,” “until,” etc.) are usually ignored or filtered by search engines. They also make URLs longer and harder to read visually. One tip that will improve the readability and quality of your URL is to use lowercase letters. Technically speaking, URLs are case-sensitive after the domain name, so capital letters can result in a 404 page or duplicate content.
We would also like to draw your attention to the separation of words in links: as we have already understood, special characters are not the best option. Most experts prefer hyphens between words, which significantly improve the readability of links.
Redirect old URLs
It is natural that you will make changes to your site over time. So, you may choose one URL structure in the beginning and then change it to improve usability. In this case, do not forget about redirect settings, which ensure that there are no broken links for humans and bots.
At the same time, avoid too many redirects, as they can slow down your site. One or two redirects are fine, but it is better to make a page accessible without an endless chain of redirects. This is why it is so important to choose the right URL structure early in the life cycle of your website.
Hide the "www" prefix
The "www" prefix was previously used to prevent confusion, but today it is not a required component of the URL structure. That is why we recommend hiding the "www" prefix to make the address visually simpler and cleaner.
Of course, no one will punish you for having an additional component. However, keep in mind that such a structure looks outdated for modern users, and entering the address in the search bar takes more time. In fact, the "www" prefix does not disappear: the Chrome browser simply hides "www" and HTTPS:// in its address bar. If you want to see these components, just double-click inside the address bar.
Read also : How to Get Ahead of Your Competitors in Search Engines: SEO Trends for 2023
Conclusions
By following the above tips, you will be sure to create a readable URL that is both user-friendly and search engine-friendly. However, there are other key factors that influence how search engines rank your page. These include:
Domain name : The main part of your website's URL affects search rankings. So, the domain name should be reliable and recognizable;
Page Title : Your web page titles, also known as “title tags,” affect search engine rankings. Make sure your page titles use relevant keywords and that the page content matches the URL.
Page content : The content of a web page should contain valuable information for visitors. It should also be varied, containing text, video, and images.
URL structures : A clear and logical URL structure makes it easier for both users and search engines to understand and navigate your website;
keywords : Having keywords that are relevant to a URL helps search engines understand the content of the page and improve its ranking.
Finally, don’t just focus on URL optimization. While this is important, your site should also provide a unique user experience, quality content, and a solid technical foundation. All of these factors will help your pages rank well in search results.
Adjust the URL to match the page content
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