Why Your Website’s URLs Matter More Than You Think 🔍
The Problem with Poor URLs:
Remember those websites with URLs like “https://yourdomain.com/pages/service2"? They’re everywhere, and they’re doing websites no favors. Not only do they look unprofessional, but they’re also:
— Difficult for users to remember
— Hard for search engines to understand
— Less likely to be shared on social media
— Missing valuable keyword opportunities
1. Keep It Human-Friendly and Build a Logical Structure
Your URLs should read like a book title, not a computer code. Compare these:
❌ https://yourdomain.com/pages/roof-renovation
✅ https://yourdomain.com/services/roof-renovation
2. Build a Logical Structure
Think of your URLs like folders in a filing cabinet:
- ✅ website.com/services/web-design
- ✅ website.com/blog/seo-tips
This helps both users and search engines understand your site’s organization.
3. Use Smart Keyword Placement
Include relevant keywords naturally:
- ❌ website.com/post-1234
- ✅ website.com/guides/how-to-maintain-{type-of-roof}
Technical Tips That Matter
- Use hyphens (-) instead of underscores (_)
- Keep URLs short but descriptive
- Avoid special characters and spaces
- Set up 301 redirects when changing URLs
Common CMS Pitfalls to Avoid
Many content management systems default to poor URL structures. Take control by:
1. Checking your permalink settings
2. Customizing URL structures before publishing
3. Avoiding automatic numeric URLs
4. Removing unnecessary URL parameters
The SEO Impact
Proper URL structure isn’t just about aesthetics. It can:
- Improve click-through rates from search results
- Help search engines understand your content better
- Make your site more user-friendly
- Increase the likelihood of earning backlinks
