What is a URL?
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a type of address that helps locate resources on the internet, such as a website. Often referred to as a web address, a URL consists of several components, like the protocol and domain name, which tell the web browser how and where to find the specific resource.
People can enter a URL into their browser in different ways: by clicking a link, selecting a bookmark, typing it into the address bar, or navigating to a webpage through another application.
Structure of a URL
The structure of a URL typically consists of the following parts:
- Protocol: The protocol at the start of the URL determines how the browser or application will access the resource. For example, “http” or “https” are basic protocols used for internet communication.
- Subnetwork (Domain): The subnetwork or domain part contains the website’s name, such as “ad-ops.hu”. This identifier allows the browser to locate the desired website on the web.
- Port number: Some URLs may include a port number that specifies a particular part of internet communication. Usually, browsers automatically assign the correct port.
- Path: The path specifies the exact page or resource within the website, such as “/articles/beginners.html”.
- Query string: This section allows users to provide additional information about the resource they wish to access. For example, it may appear as “?id=123”.
- Fragment: The fragment identifies a specific part or element of the page. It’s often used for navigation or links, like “#section1”.
The role of URLs in SEO
URLs are an essential part of search engine optimization (SEO) as they provide search engine with important information about the website’s content and structure. Well-designed URLs can help improve a website’s ranking on search engine results pages.
URL and keywords
When optimizing URLs, it’s important to keep several factors in mind:
- Search-friendly URL: URLs that are easy to interpret and contain relevant keywords can contribute to the site’s SEO.
- Permanent URLs: It’s important to use permanent URLs, even when website content changes, to maintain the page’s path and keywords.
- Appropriate length: The optimal length of a URL is critical for both user experience and SEO. URLs that are too long may be confusing, while those that are too short may not provide enough information.