A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) refers to a resource with a specified computer network location and retrieval method. It allows browsers to access published materials, including web pages, images, and videos, therefore acting as the address of a unique online resource.

Organisations and individuals trying to establish an online presence should know how URLs work. By learning the foundations of URLs, you can improve search results, increase natural traffic, and project professionalism online. Badly written URLs can lead to security issues, lowered click-through rates, and indexing problems.

This article will go over the components and architecture of a URL, recommend practices for SEO-friendly URLs, and advise on selecting a domain for your company.

Understanding URL

A URL comprises different parts, each serving a specific purpose. Let’s break them down:

1. Protocol (Scheme)

The protocol specifies data flow between the browser and the server.

  • Typical web pages are created using HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).
  • Encrypted to guarantee safe browsing, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is a safer variation of HTTP.
Pro tip: Use HTTPS always to secure user information and raise SEO results.
Also read: Understanding The Key Differences Between HTTP And HTTPS For Your Website Security

2. Subdomain

A subdomain is an extension of the main domain, often used to organise content. Example:

  • blog.example.com: The “blog” subdomain separates content from the main website.
  • store.example.com: It is a dedicated section for an online shop.

3. Domain Name

Your website is represented by the human-friendly domain name found in the URL. Choose a brief domain name that fits your brand.

4. Top-Level Domain (TLD)

Comprising the type or region of the website, the TLD is the element following the domain name.

  • .org.au: Non-profits and organisations
  • .edu.au: Educational institutions.

5. Path

The path shows the specific page a user is accessing. For example:

  • www.example.com/contact-us: The user is visiting the Contact Us page.

6. Query Parameters

These are optional URL parts used to pass data to a webpage. Example:

  • www.example.com/search?category=shoes&colour=black: This URL filters search results for black shoes.

7. Fragment Identifier

A fragment identifier (starts with #) takes the user to a specific section of a webpage.
Example:

  • www.example.com/about#team: It directs users to the Team section on the About page.

Best Practices for Creating SEO-Friendly URLs

An SEO-optimised domain and URL improve search rankings and make your website easier to navigate. Follow these tips:

1. Keep It Simple and Readable

  • Good: www.example.com/best-coffee-in-sydney  ✅
  • Bad: www.example.com/page?id=12345 ❌

2. Use Hyphens Instead of Underscores

  • Good: www.example.com/online-marketing-tips ✅
  • Bad: www.example.com/online_marketing_tips ❌

3. Avoid Special Characters

URLs should be clean and free of symbols like ?, &, or %.

  • Good: www.example.com/mens-shoes-sale ✅
  • Bad: www.example.com/mens-shoes?discount=50% ❌

4. Use Lowercase Letters

Some servers treat uppercase and lowercase letters differently. Always use lowercase to avoid confusion.

  • Good: www.example.com/shop ✅
  • Bad: www.example.com/Shop ❌

5. Include Relevant Keywords

Adding keywords to URLs can help improve search engine rankings.

  • Good: www.example.com/digital-marketing-tips ✅
  • Bad: www.example.com/article-8923 ❌

6. Secure Your Site with HTTPS

Google prioritises secure websites in search rankings. HTTPS improves trust and protects customer data.

Also read: What Role Does Domain Play in SEO?

How URLs Affect Your Website’s Performance

The way URLs are structured can impact your website’s speed, security, and engagement.

1. Faster Load Times

  • Clean URLs are processed faster by search engines and browsers.
  • Avoid excessive query parameters (?search=product&filter=colour) that slow down loading.

2. Better Mobile Experience

  • Concise URLs are easier to display and navigate on mobile devices.

3. Higher Click-Through Rates (CTR)

  • Users are more likely to click on clearly readable URLs.
  • For instance, www.example.com/healthy-recipes appeals more than www.example.com/?id=35462.

4. Improved Security

  • Using HTTPS prevents hackers from intercepting sensitive user data.
  • Secure URLs build trust with customers.

Choosing the Right Domain for Your Business

Your domain name is the foundation of your online identity. Here’s how to pick the best one:

1. Keep It Short & Memorable

Customers will find and remember your company more easily if your domain name is short and straightforward. Long, complicated domains are less suited for branding, difficult to type, and prone to mistakes.

  • Good: www.crazydomains.com – Simple, clear, and easy to remember.
  • Bad: www.web-hosting-service.com – Too long, difficult to type, and not brandable.

Ideally, keep your domain name under 15 characters and avoid unnecessary words.

2. Choose the Right TLD (Top-Level Domain)

The TLD (the part after the dot, such as .com) plays an important role in your business’s credibility and targeting the right audience.

  • .net: Suitable for tech companies, ISPs, and network services.
  • .org: Ideal for non-profit organisations, charities, and social enterprises.

3. Avoid Numbers & Special Characters

Using digits, dashes, or special characters in a domain might cause confusion and misspellings, therefore impairing users’ memory and typing accuracy.

  • www.greenenergy.com: Simple and professional.
  • www.gr33n3nergy.com: Hard to read and spell, especially when spoken aloud.

If your business name contains a number, try spelling it out.

4. Align with Your Brand

Your domain name should match your business name, services, or industry, making it instantly recognisable. A brand-aligned domain reinforces trust, strengthens your identity, and enhances your marketing efforts.

  • www.crazydomains.com: Clearly indicates domain registration services
  • www.websitefinder123.com: Vague, generic, and lacking branding

Wrapping Up

Knowing all URL elements—protocol, domain name, path, and query parameters—helps companies create better, more efficient web addresses that increase user navigation and SEO.

Besides, to create a good online experience, eliminate odd characters, use short, clear URLs with relevant keywords, and ensure all websites are safe using HTTPS. You should also choose a suitable domain extension that enhances the recognition and credibility of your brand.

Remember, a well-optimised, unambiguous URL structure increases confidence and involvement among possible consumers and makes your website more easily found.

Starting with the correct domain name informs your path to a powerful online presence. Crazy Domains provides safe and scalable solutions, enabling companies and individuals to create a strong online presence.

Connect with us today to enjoy quality domains and 24/7 support!