Choosing a suitable and optimized URL is essential for the success of a website. A well-thought-out URL can help improve search engine rankings, increase visibility, and convey a clear message about the content and purpose of your site. Below, you will find some tips on how to choose the best URL for your website .
How can a URL be defined?
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a standardized identifier used in the online environment to locate and access resources available on the internet. This can be a web page , a document, a multimedia file, or any other type of digital information.
A URL is made up of several component parts, which describe in detail the location and how to access the resource. Here is a complete definition of each component:
Protocol: The protocol specifies the communication method used to access the resource. For example, "http://" indicates the use of the HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) protocol for accessing web pages.
Username and password (optional): This is authentication information that can be included in the URL to allow access to the resource with special privileges.
Domain: The domain is the address of the website or server that hosts the resource.
Port (optional): The port specifies the communication channel used for data transfer between the client and the server. The default port for the HTTP protocol is 80. If another port is specified, it is added after the domain, followed by a colon.
Path: The path specifies the exact location of the resource on the server. This can include directories and files. For example, "/folder/page.html".
Anchor (optional): Anchors are used to navigate within a web page. They are indicated by the symbol "#" followed by a unique identifier within the page. For example, "#section1".
Query parameters (optional): Query parameters are used to pass additional information to the server via the URL.
How to choose the best URL for your website
Simplicity is key: Opt for a simple URL that is easy to read and remember. Avoid using special characters, numbers, or complicated word combinations. A simple URL is more attractive to users and is easier to distribute and share.
Include relevant keywords: Add a few keywords to your URL that describe the content of your site. These keywords are likely to be frequently searched for by users and can help you rank better in search engines. For example, if you have a website with recipes, a good URL might be “healthy-recipes.com.”
Avoid long URLs: Long URLs can be difficult to read and remember. Try to keep your URL to a reasonable length so that it is easy to distribute and share across platforms. Ideally, you should keep it under 50-60 characters.
Avoid duplication: Make sure your URL is unique and doesn't overlap with other existing pages or articles on the internet. Duplicating URLs can create confusion for both search engines and users.
Use a subfolder instead of a subdomain: If you have multiple sections or categories on your site, it is recommended to use a subfolder instead of a subdomain to organize your URLs. For example, instead of “blog.mysite.com,” use “mysite.com/blog.” This provides a clearer structure and makes it easier to navigate your site.
