When it comes to your URLs, Google looks at the words that help it understand exactly what your page is all about – so it’s important to factor this when looking for ways to help with your search engine optimisation (SEO). Whilst the jury may still be out on exactly how much your URL will help when it comes to SEO, there is no doubt that meaningful URLs with relevant keywords are a good idea for two reasons:
- People are more likely to trust a URL that includes meaningful keywords.
- Search engines will bold words that match a search in the results displayed, which means they’re more likely to catch a person’s eye.
It is good practice to run a URL check before publishing to the web to make sure it is optimised for both search engines and people conducting the search.
Tips for Optimising URLs for SEO
Make your URL reader-friendly
You want search engines and potential visitors to look at your URL and get a good idea about the information they will find if they click on the link.
Include relevant keywords
People and search engines can learn about what a particular page has to offer through the keywords you choose to include in your URL slug – as long as it really does reflect your content. For example, in the URL for this blog post (https://www.kwikkopy.com.au/blog/optimise-your-urls-for-search), the slug is “optimise-your-urls-for-search” and it lets people know what the page is about.
Use hyphens
This might surprise you – but it is good practice to use hyphens to help with readability so think about using them to separate keywords or key phrases.
Remove words that add little or no meaning
By taking out words from your URL – such as ‘that’ or ‘and’ – you will improve readability.
For example, with our own blog post: https://www.kwikkopy.com.au/blog/effective-makeover-tips-for-business-cards – we could remove the word ‘for’ and possibly even ‘makeover tips’ – and the following URL would achieve the same result: https://www.kwikkopy.com.au/blog/effectivebusinesscards
Although there is nothing wrong with the reader learning that the post is of course specifically offering tips for effective makeovers of business cards. It’s a case of working out what you think adds more value for your business – we chose to keep it in!
For more information on best practice SEO, speak to your local Kwik Kopy today.
