Before I get into some factors for creating SEO friendly URLs, let me define “URL”.
A Universal Resource Locator is simply the unique text address of a specific web page (or resource). A URL points everyone on the internet to your website. Now that sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
Here’s an example of a possible URL structure: https://lighthousemarketing.ca/portfolio/global-montessori-school/
If you need a more detailed explanation, you can read this definition. But what do I mean by “SEO friendly” URLs?
In the same way you want your website content to be optimized for search engines like Google to notice it and rank your website higher, the URL also plays a key role. SEO friendly URLs will contribute to the possibility of higher search ranking.
Bottom line: Creating SEO friendly URLs can help more potential customers find your website.
Here are 6 important factors that go into an SEO friendly URL. These are things almost any non-techie can do.
[Note: this list is not exhaustive! If you want to get serious about it, please contact us or refer to the articles listed at the end of this post. I’ve also included an infographic that outlines the “10 most important” factors that contribute to SEO friendly URLs.]
Be Clear
Keep your URLs clear enough for a person to read. This will also help search engines index and rank your page.
Be Brief
Shorter URLs are better than long ones. Look at a typical Google search results page and you’ll see the display width is limited.
Be Accurate
Use important keywords in your URLs, but make sure they match your page content. And be careful not to overuse keywords or you’ll come across as spammy.
Keep it Short
Omit “stop words” like “a”, “the”, “and”, etc. Search engines don’t need them and it’ll keep the URL shorter.
Keep it Clean
Omit non-alphanumeric characters ($, %, &, etc). They can break some browsers and web servers.
Keep it Focused
Your most important content should immediately follow your domain name. Like this: www.domain-name/important-content
There are many professional opinions in this area. The best advice about creating SEO friendly URLs is this: Make sure the URL is narrowly focused and clearly describes your page content.
Here’s a helpful graphic from MySiteAuditor.com:
Sources
15 SEO Best Practices for Structuring URLs
Ground rules for SEO friendly URLs
Top 10 Most Important SEO Tips for URL Optimization
Lighthouse Marketing
Lighthouse Marketing Inc. specializes in visually appealing, mobile friendly website design. We are an independently owned 18 year old Canadian company based in the Lower Mainland of BC, and are not affiliated with any company bearing a similar name in other areas of North America.
In addition to our existing website services, the past 3 years has seen dynamic growth in the area of SEO services, particularly with regard to local search. Our evolution to a full service SEO company means that we now offer complete online business solutions that involve Google local search as well as an effective social media strategy.
Lighthouse Marketing services the Surrey, Langley, Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, White Rock, Delta, New Westminster, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and Abbotsford areas, as well as other locations throughout the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.
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