URL Structure

codeman1234

Senior Member

Sep 13, 2011

957

115

• Oct 20, 2023

• #1

Hello,

Does URL structure really matters? Does Google really thinks is important to do URLs like the following:

1) mydomain.com/hosting/bluehost

2) mydomain.com/hosting/shared-hosting/bluehost


Or making URL like the following wont matter?

3) mydomain.com/bluehost

I asked because wikipedia seems to do that on wiki folder

wikipedia/wiki/bluehost


Would it really matter for SEO if I do it like number 3? Thanks!

 

tazarbm

Elite Member

Executive VIP

Jr. VIP

Oct 28, 2020

11,663

14,635

• Oct 20, 2023

• #2

it's not about URL structure as it's about the site's structure.

If you silo your site properly the structure of your URLs will pick itself. All of the structures you've mentioned above or good (but in the appropriate site structure, like I said).

Have a look at this guide on how to silo your sites:
https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/seo-siloing-2023-the-last-siloing-guide-youll-ever-need.1502244/

 

NeedMyLink

Elite Member

Jr. VIP

Nov 23, 2020

5,928

1,706

• Oct 20, 2023

• #3

URL structure does matter for clarity and SEO. While /bluehost is simpler, /hosting/bluehost provides more context. However, content quality and backlinks are more crucial. Wikipedia's approach works due to its authority. Opt for a clear structure and focus on content and backlinks.

 

codeman1234

Senior Member

Sep 13, 2011

957

115

• Oct 20, 2023
• Thread Starter Thread Starter

• #4

So, by doing a correct Silo the URLs structure really doesn't matter?

 

Black Belt Spodermen

Elite Member

Jan 18, 2016

2,803

1,684

• Oct 20, 2023

• #5

It only makes navigation easier but doesn't have an impact on rankings.

 

espacefree

BANNED

Apr 11, 2015

171

127

• Oct 20, 2023

• #6

I haven't noticed any direct impact the exact URL structure has but I did notice a difference in CTR. When I use cleaner, shorter URLS with less words which leads to less hyphens and less slashes (less categories) I generally got a higher CTR. As you know serps CTR is a ranking factor so I'd say it can indirectly impact rankings.

 

annamars

Junior Member

Mar 17, 2020

100

55

• Oct 20, 2023

• #7

In my experience, the cleaner and straightforward the link structure is - the more it is appealing for people when they browse google, it adds to credibility if your URL looks easy to follow. It might be a small plus, but overall it doesn't affect rankings.