The Optimal SEO Practice for Using Hyphens in URLs
When it comes to crafting effective URLs for your website, the use of hyphens as word separators is widely regarded as a best practice in Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Hyphens help to clearly delineate individual words in a URL, making it easier for both users and search engines to comprehend the content of the linked page.
However, a question often arises when dealing with terms that naturally include hyphens. For example, how should one encode the phrase “well-known artist featured at exhibit” into a URL format?
Understanding Hyphen Usage
First and foremost, it’s crucial to remember that the primary goal of a URL is clarity and comprehensibility. Therefore, if a word already contains a hyphen—such as “well-known”—you should maintain its original form within the URL.
Crafting the URL
Given the phrase in question, an ideal URL would look like this:
https://www.example.com/well-known-artist-featured-at-exhibit
In this structure, “well-known” remains intact, ensuring that the meaning is retained while the hyphens serve to separate the various components of the URL.
Best Practices Summary
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Use Hyphens to Separate Words: Stick with hyphens as they improve readability and are favored by search engines.
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Preserve Existing Hyphens: When a word contains a hyphen, such as “well-known,” keep it as-is to maintain its meaning.
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Keep it Concise and Descriptive: Aim for clarity by choosing a URL that accurately reflects the page’s content, while being easy for users to remember.
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Avoid Special Characters: Steer clear of using underscores, spaces, or other special characters that could complicate the URL.
By following these guidelines, you can create SEO-friendly URLs that not only enhance your site’s visibility but also improve the overall user experience. With careful attention to detail, you can ensure your website is both user-friendly and optimized for search engines.