The Ultimate Guide to URL Optimisation for E-Commerce Websites 

Why URL Optimisation Matters for Your E-Commerce Store

In the world of e-commerce, attention to detail matters—including your website URLs. Optimised URLs enhance search engine rankings, increase click-through rates, and improve navigation for your customers.

At teclan, we specialise in refining URL structures to maximise SEO performance, enhance user experience, and increase overall website efficiency. In this guide, we’ll outline our effective approach to URL optimisation and demonstrate how it benefits your online store.

Step 1: Auditing Your Current URLs

Before implementing any changes, it’s essential to review your current URLs to identify potential issues or opportunities for improvement. At teclan, we utilise industry-standard SEO tools and Google Search Console to highlight issues such as indexing problems and outdated or inefficient URLs.

Step 2: Creating SEO-Friendly URLs

Well-structured URLs should be concise, clear, and descriptive:

1. Short and Relevant URLS
   • Avoid unnecessary characters, words, or complex parameters. Simple, readable URLs improve usability and SEO.
   • Bad example: https://www.example.com/category=5&id=12345&session=xyz 
   • Optimised example: https://www.example.com/mens-running-shoes 
2. Include Keywords
   • Relevant keywords in URLs boost your page’s SEO and inform users about page content.
   • Avoid: https://www.example.com/product/1234
   • Use instead: https://www.example.com/wireless-bluetooth-headphones 
3. Use Hyphens to Separate Words
   • Hyphens (-) clearly separate words, improving readability for users and search engines.
   • Avoid underscores (_) or spaces.
   • Avoid: https://www.example.com/best_travel_backpack
   • Correct format: https://www.example.com/best-travel-backpack
4. Remove Unnecessary Words
   • Omit words such as “and,” “the,” and “in” to maintain concise and impactful URLs.
   • Bad example: https://www.example.com/the-best-organic-green-tea-ever
   • Optimised example: https://www.example.com/organic-green-tea
5. Logical Category Structure
   • Ensure that URLs reflect a clear and logical hierarchy to aid navigation and SEO.
   • Example:https://www.example.com/shoes/mens/nike-air-max 
     
     

Step 3: Resolving Duplicate and Dynamic URLs

E-commerce sites often face duplicate URLs created by product variations or sorting filters. This can harm SEO. These issues can be resolved by:

• Implementing canonical tags to inform search engines of the preferred URL version.
• Eliminating unnecessary URL parameters.
• Applying 301 redirects to merge similar pages into one authoritative URL.

Step 4: Securing URLs with HTTPS

Google prioritises secure websites. Therefore, ensuring your URLs use HTTPS is critical.

• Incorrect (non-secure): http://www.example.com/mens-red-running-shoes
• Correct (secure): https://www.example.com/mens-red-running-shoes
• We also recommend using security practices such as HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) to reinforce website security.
  

Step 5: Continuous URL Monitoring

Ongoing maintenance is essential to keep URLs optimised:

• Regularly audit URLs to quickly fix outdated or broken links.
• Ensure 301 redirects are effectively managing old, renamed, or relocated pages.
• Continuously monitor Google Search Console for URL performance and indexing insights.

Conclusion: Prioritise URL Optimisation

An optimised URL structure significantly boosts SEO, improves website navigation, and enhances the user experience, leading to higher rankings and better conversions. At teclan, we empower businesses by fine-tuning URL structures to drive increased traffic and improve website performance.

Ready to optimise your URLs? Contact teclan today!