A URL is an internet address. It consists of a protocol, domain name, and path. The protocol is how the browser obtains information about the page, and it can be either http:// or https:// (“s” stands for secure). The subdomain is the portion of the domain that appears before the main “root” domain. You can create several subdomains, but they are essentially separate websites, so you don't want to have too many subdomains unless you need them. Subdomains are developed to help organize material on your website. You can use any string of characters as a subdomain, not simply www. The domain name is the unique address where a website is located. 

SEO Best Practices for URL Structures:

In web development, following SEO best practices for URL structures is important to improve a website's visibility and search engine rankings. Developers optimize URL structures to ensure that each web page is understandable and relevant to both visitors and search engine crawlers. Clear and descriptive URLs with relevant keywords increase the likelihood of a website getting indexed and ranked for related search searches. Furthermore, well-structured URLs improve the user experience by making it easier for users to browse the website and grasp the content hierarchy. Furthermore, employing an SEO-friendly URL structure helps to eliminate duplicate content issues and consolidate link equity, which leads to increased organic traffic and overall website performance.

  • Make a Good URL Structure: 

Before developing your website, you must determine its URL hierarchy. There is no definitive guideline for the ideal URL structure. URLs may differ based on the purpose of the site. The greatest URL structure, however, is one that is clear, logical, and easy to remember while also conveying meaning through the words utilized. Make your URL structure simple so that users and search engines can readily grasp the links between your site's pages. Once you've established your URL structure, selecting the appropriate URL keywords for each page is rather simple.

  • Use HTTP Protocol: 

HTTPS is a secure version of the HTTP protocol. A Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encrypted communication between your browser and a website, so even if hackers intercept the data, they cannot read it. HTTPS enhances your website's credibility by instilling trust in users, so they feel more secure when purchasing with their credit card information, address, and phone number. This one appears straightforward; however, only 69% of all websites redirect to HTTPS. HTTPS is also a ranking indication for Google, which likes SSL-enabled websites. In Chrome, the padlock icon in the URL bar indicates whether or not the website has a secure connection. 

  • Use Hyphens Not Underscores: 

Always use hyphens (-) rather than underscores (_), as underscores cannot be detected when the URL is published as a bare link. 

  • Hide the www Prefix: 

The www prefix was selected to avoid confusion because it was evident that it indicated a website domain. But nowadays, it is unnecessary to include it. If you do include it, it appears outdated, takes longer to enter, and takes up more space in the address bar. In truth, the Chrome browser hides WWW and HTTPS:// in the address bar because the information isn't particularly vital to display, given the secure lock icon signal. If you want to see it, simply double-click inside the address bar; it is still there. Hide the www prefix to make your domain appear “naked” and cleaner. Redirect the www version to the naked domain. 

  • Add Relevant, Short, and Simple URL: 

When you publish a page on your website, it should serve a clear purpose. Avoid using random numbers that are misleading and irrelevant. Customize your website's page URLs to describe the information on each page. This improves the user experience and can lead to higher click-through rates. Most URLs utilize the page or post title as the default URL, although the title may be an unreasonably long string of characters. The shorter the URL, the better; short URLs also score higher.

  • Use Meaningful Keywords:

Use 1-2 relevant keywords in your URL to notify Google of what the page should appear for in search results. Don't fill your URL with more than that because it may appear spammy. Use a term that appears in the title of the page or post. In addition to the URL, you should include these keywords in your page's meta description because Google bolds these terms in search results, making your page more visible. 

Why do URLs matter for SEO? 

URLs can complement your SEO efforts in various ways, including: 

  • It improves user experience as the well-crafted URL gives humans and search engines a clear indicator of what the destination page will be about. 
  • Using a URL with keywords can boost your site's search exposure or ranking. 
  • When copied and pasted as links into forums, blogs, social media networks, or other online arenas, well-written URLs can act as their anchor text.

Conclusion: 

Following these best practices, web development by Hashlogics will guarantee that your URLs are descriptive, relevant, and search engine optimized. Having an SEO-friendly URL structure is essential for increasing your website's search engine presence and user experience. Remember to keep URLs short, use hyphens to separate words, include target keywords as needed, maintain consistency and structure, and eliminate dynamic parameters. By applying these tactics, you can improve your website's SEO performance and increase organic traffic.