Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Change Your Shopify Product URLs?
- How To Change Product URL In Shopify
- SEO Best Practices For Product URLs
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating the digital marketplace requires constant tweaks and adjustments to stay ahead, especially when it comes to your Shopify store. One such fine-tuning involves updating your product URLs to improve SEO and user experience. If you've ever pondered over how to change product URLs in Shopify effectively, you're in the right place. This guide not only walks you through the steps of modifying product URLs but also emphasizes SEO best practices to ensure your products rank well in search engine results pages (SERPs).
Introduction
Imagine you’ve revamped your product line, refined your branding strategy, or simply spotted a typo in your current product URLs. Here's where the ability to adapt your digital storefront's URLs comes in handy. A clean, descriptive, and keyword-rich URL can significantly enhance your store's search engine visibility, making it easier for potential customers to find your offerings. Despite the apparent simplicity of URLs, their strategic adaptation can carve pathways to higher organic search performance and a streamlined user experience.
This post unfolds the strategic tangle behind modifying Shopify product URLs and propels your SEO game forward. We dive deep into not just the 'how-to' but also the 'why' and 'what next' after you've made changes, positioning you effectively in the digital marketplace.
Why Change Your Shopify Product URLs?
SEO Benefits
Clear, concise URLs containing relevant keywords can immensely boost your product pages' SEO. Search engines prefer URLs that give them and the users clarity on what the page is about, potentially affecting your page's ranking positively.
Enhanced User Experience
URLs are part of a user's navigation experience. A URL that hints at the product's nature is more likely to be clicked on than one that contains random characters or irrelevant terms.
Brand Consistency
A well-crafted URL reflects your brand's attention to detail and commitment to providing a seamless shopping experience. It’s about maintaining consistency across all aspects of your online presence.
How To Change Product URL In Shopify
Step 1: Accessing Your Shopify Admin Panel
Log in to your Shopify store's admin panel. Navigate to 'Products' and select the product for which you want to change the URL.
Step 2: Editing Your Product Page
Scroll down to the 'Search engine listing preview' section at the bottom of the page. Click on 'Edit website SEO'.
Step 3: Modifying The Product URL Handle
In the 'URL and handle' box, you can edit the part of your URL that comes after "/products/". Ensure to click 'Save' after making changes.
Note: Shopify offers the functionality to create URL redirects automatically when you change a product’s URL. This ensures that any visitors or backlinks pointing to the old URL are redirected to the new one, preserving your SEO efforts.
SEO Best Practices For Product URLs
Be Descriptive Yet Concise
Include keywords relevant to the product in the URL slug, but avoid stuffing it with too many terms. Aim for clarity and relevance.
Use Hyphens to Separate Words
It’s preferred to use hyphens (-) instead of underscores (_) in URLs as search engines read them as spaces, which aids in better keyword interpretation.
Avoid URL Duplication
Each product should have a unique URL to prevent confusion for search engines and users alike, ensuring a smooth navigation experience.
Regularly Update URLs for Accuracy
Occasionally, product lines undergo changes. Regularly review your URLs to maintain their alignment with your current product offerings and business strategy.
Implement Redirects Wisely
Whenever you change a product URL, ensure that a redirect from the old URL to the new one is in place. This preserves link equity and improves site structure.
Conclusion
Tweaking your Shopify product URLs is more than a mere cosmetic change; it's an SEO strategy that guides visitors right to your virtual doorstep. While the process might seem straightforward, its implications on search visibility and user experience are profound. By adhering to SEO best practices and integrating these changes thoughtfully into your Shopify store, you're setting the scene for enhanced discoverability and, ultimately, increased sales. Just remember, the goal is not just to lead potential customers to your store—it's about making the path there clear and navigable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does changing product URLs affect my search engine rankings?
A: Yes, it can. Properly redirecting old URLs to the new ones and using relevant keywords can positively impact your rankings.
Q: How often should I change my product URLs?
A: Only change URLs when necessary, such as when updating product names or correcting errors. Frequent changes can confuse search engines and users.
Q: Can I revert back to an old URL if needed?
A: Yes, you can revert back as long as you update the product page's URL handle in Shopify and ensure any new URLs are redirected appropriately.
Q: Is there a limit to how long my Shopify product URL can be?
A: While Shopify doesn't explicitly limit URL length, it's best practice to keep URLs succinct. Long URLs can be cumbersome for users and might not display fully in search results.
Q: Should I include brand names in my product URLs?
A: Including brand names can be beneficial if it’s a recognized brand that people are likely to search for. However, prioritize clarity and relevance over adding too many details.
