What is an URL Structure?
Understanding URL Structure in E-commerce
Quick Definition
URL structure is the format and organization of web addresses that define how pages are named, categorized, and linked within a website. A well-designed URL provides clear navigation paths, improves search engine optimization (SEO), and enhances user understanding of page content and website hierarchy.
Understanding URL Structure in E-commerce
Components of an Effective URL
Protocol
https:// or http:// indicating secure/standard connection
Domain
Your website's primary web address (www.yourstore.com)
Path
Specific page or category location (/collections/shoes)
Parameters
Additional tracking or filtering information (?color=blue)
Best Practices for E-commerce URL Optimization
- •Use Descriptive Keywords: Include product or category names naturally
- •Keep URLs Short and Clean: Avoid unnecessary words and complex parameters
- •Use Hyphens for Readability: Separate words with hyphens, not underscores
- •Maintain Logical Hierarchy: Reflect site structure in URL organization
Example URL Structures
| Good URL | Poor URL |
|---|---|
| www.store.com/collections/womens-shoes | www.store.com/page?id=23456&cat=x |
| www.store.com/products/leather-ankle-boots | www.store.com/product?p=item_345 |
SEO and Conversion Implications
Well-structured URLs contribute significantly to search engine rankings and user experience. They provide clear signals about page content, improve click-through rates, and enhance overall site navigation.
Tools like Growth Suite can help analyze your site's URL performance, tracking how different URL structures impact visitor engagement and conversion rates. By implementing clean, descriptive URLs, you create a more intuitive browsing experience that can directly improve your online store's performance.
Put URL Structure into Practice
Ready to apply these concepts to your store? Growth Suite provides the tools you need to implement effective url structure strategies.
Other Terms in "U"
- UGC (User Generated Content)
- UI (User Interface)
- Unavailable Inventory
- Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Unique Visitor
- Unique Visitors
- Unit Price
- Upsell