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Why Static URLs are Best for SEO

When attempting to improve your site’s ranking, it can be productive to examine your URL structure and do what you can to make it more SEO responsive. Namely, if your URLs are dynamic, it would be in your best interest to change them to static.

Dynamic urls are bad for seo

What is URL Structure?

URL structure is one factor that helps search engines find you.  Search engines generally find “clean” URLs faster and easier, which would translate into a static URL, or a URL that never changes, doesn’t have symbols, and uses keywords.  Some examples of dynamic vs. static:

A dynamic URL, which changes based on what database it was found by:

http://www.example.com/forums/thread.php?threadid=12345&sort=date

A static URL on the other hand, is a URL that doesn’t change and ideally uses keywords. It looks like this:

http://www.example.com/forums/the-challenges-of-dynamic-urls.htm

Dynamic URL vs. Static URL

A dynamic URL structure means that your URL is stored in a database and can change based on what database led the reader to your site.

The downside to a dynamic URL is that search engines don’t like them as much as static URLs, meaning they have a lower click-through rate and they can lead to duplicate content problems.

A static URL means that the URL cannot be changed unless the HTML code is re-written.

The advantage to a static URL is that search engines find them faster, and they help to keep your server more organized.  Additionally, it’s easier to use keywords in the URL, which attracts users, and results in more click-through.

Should You Switch?

If you use dynamic URLs you should switch to a static URL structure.  It will help keep your site more organized, increase your click-through rate, and help your site get found faster and easier by search engines.  Additionally, you would only have one URL assigned to each page and product.

When you make the switch, you should make sure your URLs are more consequential and use keywords.

For example, instead of having a URL that says www.example.com/store/prod1.html, you could have a URL that uses a keyword and looks more like this:  www.example.com/websitedesign.

When a customer sees this URL, they will know exactly what the page will hold — a page on web site designs.

The Bottom Line

Static URLs have an advantage.  They are easier for search engines to read and your users can easily figure out what the URL will lead them to.  Using keywords within the URL structure gives static URLs a lead over dynamic URLs. To increase your click-through rate and help out your SEO, I suggest you make the switch.