Do domain URL variants or structures matter in SEO?

Yes, domain URL variants and structures do impact SEO – search engine optimization – in several ways. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to consider:

1. URL Structure and Readability:

Clear and concise URLs: Use descriptive keywords that accurately reflect page content. Avoid unnecessary parameters or long strings of numbers.
Logical hierarchy: Organize URLs in a logical, easy-to-follow structure, mirroring your website’s navigation. This helps search engines and users understand the relationships between pages.
Example: we have in our support forums, www.ultimatewb.com/uwb-full-feature-questions/509/extending-ultimatewb-website-builder-adding-code-etc , which is better than www.ultimatewb.com/509

The UltimateWB website builder takes care of choosing the best urls for the admin/user posts in the social networking apps, such as the built-in forum app. You can also update the urls if you would like to change them, manually through your website admin panel. And, of course, you can choose your webpage URLs on the Add/Edit Pages of your website admin panel, and also for the Add/Edit Articles, likewise.

2. HTTPS Security:

Positive ranking factor: Google prioritizes secure HTTPS sites over HTTP ones.
Ensure HTTPS implementation: Acquire an SSL certificate and configure your website to use HTTPS. Get it free and hassle-free with UltimateWB – all UltimateWB web hosting packages and UltimateWB Cloud plans come with SSL included.
Example: https://www.example.com is preferred over http://www.example.com

3. www vs. Non-www:

Choose a primary version: Select either www or the non-www version and redirect the other to maintain consistency and avoid duplicate content issues. You can do this via your htaccess file coding .
Set a preferred domain in Google Search Console: Help search engines understand your preferred version.

Why use “WWW” for your website?

WWW or no WWW – That is the question

4. Subdomains vs. Subdirectories:

Subdomains: Treated as separate entities by search engines, potentially diluting authority. Use them for distinct content sections (e.g., <invalid URL removed>).
Subdirectories: Keep content within the main domain structure for better organization and link equity distribution.

5. Trailing Slashes:

Consistency is key: Choose either to use or omit trailing slashes at the end of URLs and stick to it to avoid duplicate content issues.

UltimateWB opts for no trailing slashes for the website builder generated content. Why have the extra character?!

6. URL Parameters:

Minimal usage: Use parameters for dynamic content or tracking purposes, but avoid excessive reliance as they can create duplicate content concerns.

7. Canonicalization:

Address duplicate content: Use canonical tags to indicate the preferred version of a page when multiple URLs lead to the same content.

8. URL Length:

Concise URLs: While Google doesn’t specify a strict character limit, aim for shorter, keyword-rich URLs for better readability and potential ranking benefits.

9. Mobile-Friendliness:

Responsive URLs: Ensure URLs adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes for optimal mobile experience, as Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites.

This is a lot easier to do with the UltimateWB built-in Responsive app/

Remember:

Prioritize user experience: Clear and informative URLs enhance navigation and click-through rates.
Think long-term: Structure URLs with future content growth in mind to maintain a logical and organized website structure.
Monitor performance: Track URL performance in search results and make adjustments as needed.

By carefully crafting your domain URL variants and structures, you’ll create a more user-friendly, SEO-friendly, and organized website that resonates better with both search engines and human visitors.

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.