Introduction

Have you ever noticed the /collections part in your Shopify URLs and wondered if it could be removed for a cleaner look? Perhaps you're aiming for URL structures that are not only SEO-friendly but also easy to read and share. If that's the case, you're not alone. Many Shopify store owners have grappled with the desire to modify their URL paths for various reasons, including improving the user experience and boosting their site's SEO. This blog post will guide you through the reasons why you might want to modify your Shopify URL structure and provide a step-by-step approach to removing the /collections from your URLs.

When it comes to managing an online store, the smallest details can make a significant impact. This is especially true for your store's URL structure, which can affect not only SEO rankings but also user engagement. With this in mind, let's delve into how we can optimize our Shopify store URLs for better overall performance.

The Importance of Clean URLs in E-commerce

Clean and concise URLs are vital for several reasons. They enhance the user experience by being easy to read and understand, significantly impact your store’s SEO, and contribute to a higher click-through rate (CTR). Moreover, streamlined URLs are easier to share on social media and look more trustworthy, which can lead to increased site traffic and sales.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing `/collections` from Shopify URLs

Step 1: Back Up Your Theme

Before making any changes, it's crucial to back up your current theme. This precaution ensures that you can revert to the original state if anything goes wrong during the process.

Step 2: Identify the Code to Remove

Changing your URL structure involves editing your theme's code. This might seem daunting at first, but with a careful approach, it's entirely manageable. Typically, the code dictating the URL structure can be found in the product-details.liquid and product-thumbnail.liquid files within your theme's snippets folder. What you're looking for is the line of code that includes within: collection, as this is what adds the /collections part to your URLs.

Step 3: Edit the Code

Once you've located the within: collection code, carefully remove it. This action should look something like this:

Before: {{ product.url | within: collection }}
After: {{ product.url }}

Remember, the goal here is to eliminate any code that automatically inserts the /collections structure into your product URLs.

Step 4: Test the Changes

After applying the edits, thoroughly test your website to ensure that everything operates smoothly and that no links are broken. Navigate through your site as a user would, checking various collections and product pages to confirm their URLs have been simplified as intended.

Step 5: Set Up Redirects

To maintain SEO integrity and ensure that users and search engines are directed to the correct pages, set up the necessary redirects from the old URLs (those containing /collections) to the new, simplified ones. Shopify’s built-in redirect feature makes this step relatively straightforward.

Step 6: Monitor Your Site’s Performance

After implementing these changes, closely monitor your site's performance. Pay special attention to SEO ranking changes, site traffic, and user engagement metrics. If you notice any adverse effects, consider reverting the changes and consulting with a Shopify or SEO expert.

FAQs

Q1: Will removing `/collections` from my URLs affect my Shopify store’s SEO?

A: If done correctly and with the proper redirects in place, this change can have a positive impact on your SEO by simplifying your URLs.

Q2: Can I perform these changes on any Shopify theme?

A: While most Shopify themes will allow for this modification, some might have different file structures or naming conventions. Always back up your theme and proceed with caution.

Q3: What if I encounter issues after making the changes?

A: If you face any issues, revert to your backed-up theme version and consult Shopify’s support or a professional developer.

Conclusion

Optimizing your Shopify store's URLs by removing unnecessary elements such as /collections can have a substantial impact on both user experience and SEO performance. By following the outlined steps, you'll be well on your way to achieving a cleaner, more streamlined URL structure that benefits your store in the long run. Remember, while technical tweaks can lead to significant improvements, always prioritize making changes thoughtfully and monitor their impact closely.

Making modifications to your online store’s URL structure can indeed feel like venturing into uncharted territory.

Simplifying Your Shopify URLs: How to Remove Collections From the Path

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Importance of Clean URLs in E-commerce