Google Updates URL Parameter Best Practices for SEO

October 25, 2024 at 5:46:23 AM

TL;DR Google has released new guidelines for URL parameter structure, emphasizing standard encoding methods: equal signs to separate keys and values, and ampersands to separate parameters. Discouraged formats include bracket and colon methods and comma separation. The goal is to improve URL readability, ensure consistent parameter handling, enhance crawling efficiency, and reduce indexing issues.

Google Updates URL Parameter Best Practices for SEO

Google has released new documentation clarifying best practices for URL parameter structure, providing clear guidelines for developers and SEO professionals to optimize their website URLs.

Recommended URL Parameter Format

The update emphasizes using standard encoding methods:

Use equal signs (=) to separate parameter keys and values
Use ampersands (&) to separate different parameters
Example of correct format:

https://example.com/category?category=dresses&sort=low-to-high&sid=789

Discouraged Practices

Google explicitly discourages these parameter formats:

Bracket and Colon Method:

https://example.com/category?[category:dresses][sort:price-low-to-high][sid:789]

Comma Separation Method:

https://example.com/category?category,dresses,,sort,lowtohigh,,sid,789

Impact on SEO

This clarification aims to:

Improve URL readability for search engines
Ensure consistent parameter handling
Enhance crawling efficiency
Reduce potential indexing issues

The update consolidates previously scattered information about URL parameters, making it easier for developers to implement SEO-friendly URL structures across their websites.