Page URLs
A page URL is the page’s web address, for example example.com.au/services/roof-painting/. The part after the domain is often called the slug.
Why it matters
Section titled “Why it matters”Short, readable URLs tell people what a page is before they click, and can show in Google results. Keywords in the URL make little difference to ranking on their own, so this is about clarity, not a ranking trick.
How to do it
Section titled “How to do it”- Use real words that describe the page:
/roof-painting/, not/page?id=482. - Use lowercase and separate words with hyphens.
- Keep it short.
- Group related pages, for example
/services/roof-painting/and/services/roof-repairs/.
Don’t change existing URLs just to tidy them. Every change risks losing the traffic the old address earned. If you do change one, set up a 301 redirect from the old address to the new one.
Where to change it
Section titled “Where to change it”| Platform | Where |
|---|---|
| WordPress | Edit the page and change the Permalink or URL in the page settings panel. Under Settings > Permalinks, Post name gives readable URLs site-wide. |
| Shopify | Edit the page or product, scroll to Search engine listing, select Edit and change URL handle. Leave the redirect box ticked. |
| Wix | In Pages & Menu, open the page’s More Actions menu, select SEO basics and change URL slug. |
| Squarespace | Open the page’s Page settings and change the URL slug. |
Check it worked
Section titled “Check it worked”Visit the new address, then the old one. The old one should take you straight to the new page.
Google’s guide
Section titled “Google’s guide”SEO Starter Guide (Google Search Central)