URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. It refers to the address of a web page or document placed on the Internet. It normally comprises three parts named protocol, address or host name and lastly the resource location. Through a URL, it is quite easy for you to reach a specified resource.
Certain aspects are considered while designing a URL. In contemporary times, search engine optimization techniques are heavily utilized to upgrade the rank of the websites. It is mandatory to generate an SEO friendly URL to improve website ranking in search engines.
Let’s get started with it.
1. Selection of Domain
Domain name is something which creates an impact on the users and search engines. While selecting a URL domain, it should be unique that it gives the impression of a brand. It could have 2-3 words, but not more than that. Moreover, it should be short, easy to pronounce and write. When we talk about top-level domains, we know the most renowned and used one is .com but apart from these other options include .org or .net etc.
If you further want specification according to your country then for Pakistan there is.pk, for Canada it is .ca or .it is for Italy, etc. By opting a domain name following the mentioned guideline, you could gain users’ confidence easily and upsurge search rankings. Coordinate with your IT outsourcing company while developing a website for all these details.
2. Usage of Keywords in URL
An SEO optimized URL must have keywords. These are the specific terms related to the website content. They will provide a clear picture to both the users and search engines what the page is related to. In order to select keywords for a URL, perform keyword research for the topic. For example, you can use Moz Keyword Explorer to find the optimum keywords.
Adding keywords in the URL is a tricky part. Considering keywords in a URL doesn’t mean to use all the relevant keywords. If it is done, it will create a bad impression. Only the necessary keywords which highlight topic or subject of discussion should be added. Specified words should be used naturally so that users can have a clear picture of the content.
3. Folder Structure in URL
Folders refer to categories or sections of the main website. Folders and subfolders separated by a slash in the URL helps indicate the users about what their page is about. Users can be sure about the main and sub-content of the website. You can also add the category title of a blog article in the URL to help the users in getting more precision about the topic. Have a look at the below-mentioned example;
Moreover, avoid using prepositions and conjunctions like (the, and, it, or) since search engines will not recognize them and it would create a long URL – not SEO-friendly.
4. Using Hyphen to Separate Terms
While generating a URL, this aspect needs to be kept in mind that it should be comprehensible. It is known that URLs contain multiple terms. In order to segregate the URL terms from one another it is better to use hyphen. What happens is that the search engine recognizes hyphen as separator and it gets easier for the readers to understand the URL.
Try not to incorporate underscores because search engines do not consider underscores as separators and show the words combined together.
For instance;
URL 1: www.example.com/howtousemachinelearninginAndroidapp
URL 2: www.example.com/how-to-use-machine-learning-in-Android-app
Which one of the above-mentioned URL is understandable? Obviously, likes are for URL 2 because you can easily understand what your landing page will be about.
5. A Non-Dynamic URL
A static URL is the URL which remains constant ever. On the other hand, there is a dynamic URL which keeps on changing constantly when changes take place within the content management system. They do not adhere to SEO protocols, contain casual letters, numbers, and codes. Between static and dynamic URLs, the former is preferred because it is more user friendly and is viable from an SEO perspective as well.
Further to this, go for absolute URLs instead of relative ones. Search engines usually prefer absolute URLs because they precisely provide all the information which is required to find a resource.
Final Thought :
In a nutshell, there is no hard and fast rule of making a URL. But when it comes to SEO powered URLs, these tips will surely be helpful. A good URL structure reinforces SE rankings and side by side users put their trust in a business by seeing such URLs. Consequently, they tend to share it much on their social media platforms and forums. So, if you are particularly serious about your SEO-optimized URLs and on-site optimization, then liaise with ArhamSoft (Pvt) Ltd. and enjoy unparalleled services for your business growth and development.
