Google: URL Slug does not require Category Or Topic Name For SEO

URL Slug does not require Category Or Topic Name For SEO
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A URL slug is the part of the URL that identifies a particular webpage and explains the page’s content in a simple. Readable form. It is the part right at the end of the URL. Usually, it is auto-generated in alpha-numeric form. According to google, URL Slug does not require Category Or Topic Name For SEO

But you can edit it as it has always been known that URL Slugs play a vital role for SEOs to yield the best results. But recently, there has been speculation whether mentioning Category or Topic Name in URL Slug is at all essential. Well, let’s delve into it.

slug
slug

See also: Google News Search Bug- Non News Content Showing In News

Importance of Keywords in URL

Google has previously stated that keywords in the URL have little impact on SEO once the page has been indexed. This means that after Google has indexed your website based on the distinct keywords. The keywords in the URL are rendered irrelevant.

URL Slug does not require Category Or Topic Name For SEO
URL Slug does not require Category Or Topic Name For SEO

Since, according to Google’s latest algorithm, it is more Inclined towards the quality of the content than the optimized URL Slug. Moreover, changing URLs on an active site will cause site migration, increasing fluctuations in reprocessing.

Brief URL for increased traffic

Another critical motive to not add your Category or Topic name in your URL Slug is they are simply optimized without them. As mentioned, Google’s latest algorithm does use URL Slugs to extract pages. But if you have too long a URL, that, on the contrary, confuses Google.

A large URL describing the entire Category or Topic conveys to Google that this webpage represents all the words mentioned in the URL combined.

The Engine will not rank it higher in Searches as it recognizes the webpage URL as one whole Search. Whereas a short URL, only mentioning the most crucial theme of the page, with one to three words, will directly convey the webpage’s content.

It will also communicate all related topics to those words are found on that website. Not only does this help Google rank it higher. Increasing traffic on your website. But also helps readers find the page seamlessly without going through a huge URL. Which they most probably would have neglected.

Many users, if required, can memorize a short URL for their respective purposes. And these are not possible if large Category Names are in the URL Slug.

Initial Indexation & Anchor Text

However, it is essential to note that an optimized URL with a Category or Topic name is the “first stage” of indexation. Google would need some information regarding the page’s context initially.

anchor text
anchor text

Besides, adding Topic Name as Keyword becomes vital as many sites automatically link URLs and use them as anchor texts. This way, one can get keyword-relevant anchor texts which will be helpful for readers to get redirected.

See also: Are H1 Tags A Google Ranking Factor?

Conclusion

In conclusion, with the evolving Google SE, it is becoming increasingly vital to publish strong content that will enrich the users. Adding Category/Topic Name will help you get the initial jump. But it is far more essential to communicate easy short Slugs.

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