What is a URL? This question is usually one of the first things to ask when building a website. As a unique identifier that drives traffic to your site, URLs are far more important than many newbie bloggers actually think.
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What is a URL?
Before discussing the most important aspects of a URL, let's first discuss its definition.
The term is an acronym for Uniform resource locator and is assigned to each individual website on the Internet. There are different parts of a Uniform Resource Locator, and various factors influence each component. Not only are websites given a URL, but individual pages are also given one.
For example, https://blogpascher.com/ will take you to the home page of our site. However, the URL, https://blogpascher.com/guides/demarrer-un-blog/ would take you to another page. Every website requires a URL to be indexed, but it is also necessary for search engine optimization, easy navigability, etc.
Knowing a little relevant information about how URLs are assigned and how they work can therefore help.
What are the components of a URL?
When looking at the structure of a URL, there are three standard components. These are called the protocol, domain and path.
The protocol
Let's use our first URL https://blogpascher.com/ as an example for this guide. When you look at the URL you will notice the https:// At the beginning. This component is often overlooked, and you probably don't even type it into your browser's address bar.
However, it is imperative because it tells your Internet browser how to connect to a website's server. Once connected, the browser can then receive information and send it for you to review. Without the protocol, your computer would not be able to read the web page and provide information.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the most widely used protocol on the Internet.
However, you have probably also seen HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Source). HTTPS is almost identical to HTTP, but the significant difference is that it is much more secure. You are more likely to find pages that take payment information, such as online retailers and banks, that have HTTPS protocols.
Depending on the browser you use, it is quite easy to determine the type of protocol used by a site. For example, in Google Chrome, you'll notice a tiny padlock to the left of the URL that means your connection is secure.
The domain/authority
The next part of a URL is the domain, also called domain. When it comes to brand image and brand awareness, this component is by far the most popular because it's how your site is identified. Using our previous example, your blog domain would be blogpascher.com .
when domain is typed in the address, it most often directs you to the main landing page of the site. Surely that sounds simple enough, but did you know that domain names also have two distinct components?
The first part is the name and the second is the TLD (domaine de premier niveau), or indicator, which is usually .com, .org or .net. If you have ever looked for a domain, you've probably noticed a price difference due to TLDs.
Interestingly, some domains are searched more than others because they are easier to remember and identify. For example, top-level domains .com are necessarily more expensive than .org in many cases. It is important that you first research all possible options for your domain name before registering it.
This process will help ensure that you get a recognizable domain name at an affordable price. Also, it is good to consider an area in the country in which you do the most business or the audience you want to reach.
For example, an Irish bakery would not be as likely to use .com as a domain that .ie.
Depending on the type of business you have, you should also use country-specific credentials. Uniquely, it is also possible to choose domains that fit a specific niche. A good example of this is to consider video game streaming.
Many popular Twitch streamers use the TLD “ .gg for their websites instead of " .com". " gg is a term commonly used in games that refers to a "good game", a display of great sportsmanship after a match.
Le chemin
The final component of a URL is known as the path, which is where the URL will take you when entered. As we discussed earlier, the path https://blogpascher.com/ takes you to the home page. To modify the path, the URL would usually have other words appended after the TLD, such as apprendre-a-bloguer .
Adding these additional words tells the URL to direct the user to another page on the site. If you are currently using a blogging platform, such as WordPress, this process is often complete for you. For example, when you create a new page, a unique URL path is automatically assigned to the page.
Another big advantage of in-depth blogging platforms like WordPress is that they allow for customization. Bloggers can change the appearance of specific paths to make them more identifiable.
For example, instead of having https://blogpascher.com/7463834 , you can choose the permalink of a specific text.
Why are URLs important?
When you start your first blog, your URLs are probably one of the last things on your mind.
You're concerned about typing your content, adding videos, and ensuring your site design looks flawless. However, URLs can contribute to your ranking or SEO (search engine optimization) score.
1. Better user experience
There's no doubt that it's much easier to remember a URL if it matches the page title or resource.
For example, https://blogpascher.com/guides/demarrer-un-blog/ relates directly to the content on creating a blog. However, if you had a URL like https://blogpascher.com/page3 , it would not be so recognizable.
When potential visitors see a clear, easy-to-read URL, they're much more likely to click on the link. You will find that they have the added assurance that the content on the site is what they are looking for.
2. Link
Having easy to use links makes them much easier for you and your audience to share. If your URLs are too long and don't contain important information, they may seem too heavy and cluttered.
For example, https://blogpascher.com/guides/demarrer-un-blog/ is concise, which facilitates the sharing on social networks .
In comparison, https://blogpascher.com/guides/ue256555/?ref_=uehd_blog is too complicated.
When you have a short, easy-to-read URL, it makes great anchor text that can be shared easily. You will likely increase your traffic by simplifying your link structure.
3. Search Engine Rankings
Although URLs do not contribute substantially to search engine results, they can help. Of course, the content you put on your site is a much bigger contributor.
Still, the perfectly formatted link can help add authority to your domain and can be used for keywords. Adding keywords to your URL can significantly improve your site's visibility, which is something to consider.
However, it is important that you always make sure that they are easy to read, otherwise it can affect you negatively. You should always prioritize the user experience rather than blocking as many keywords as possible.
Read more resources :
- SEO Parasite: Complete Guide for Beginners
- What is Cloaking in SEO: Simple Guide for Beginners
- Semantic SEO: Beginner's Guide to Ranking Higher
- What is SEO? The Beginner's Guide to Search Engine Optimization
- Link Building Strategy for Niche Sites: The Ultimate Guide
- Link Building Awareness: A Simple Beginner’s Guide
- Competitor Keyword Analysis: Complete Beginner’s Guide
- What is timeless content? Beginner's guide with practical tips
Conclusion
Considering your URLs is the first step to establishing a professional-style blog with authority. You need to show your professionalism by having clear and concise links that your audience can use and share.
We guarantee that once you answer what a URL is, the more traffic you can attract.
