How to optimize your website's URL structure for SEO?

@annabell_mcdermott 

1. Use meaningful and descriptive URLs: Include relevant keywords in your URLs that accurately describe the content of the page. This helps search engines and users understand the context of the page.
2. Keep URLs short and simple: Long and complicated URLs can be difficult for users to remember and share. Keep them concise and avoid unnecessary characters or parameters.
3. Use hyphens to separate words: Instead of using underscores or spaces, use hyphens to separate words in the URL. This improves readability for both search engines and users.
4. Avoid using excessive subdirectories: Limit the number of subdirectories in your URL structure as too many can make the URL complex and harder to navigate. Aim for a clear and logical hierarchy.
5. Create a consistent URL structure: Keep the URL structure consistent throughout your website. This makes it easier for both users and search engines to navigate and understand the organization of your site.
6. Utilize breadcrumbs: Implement breadcrumbs on your website to provide a clear and hierarchical navigation path for users and search engines. This can also enhance the user experience and improve SEO.
7. Canonicalize duplicate URLs: If you have pages with similar or duplicate content, use canonical tags to inform search engines which version of the page should be indexed. This prevents duplicate content issues and helps consolidate link equity to the preferred URL.
8. Optimize URL slugs for blog posts: When creating URLs for blog posts, optimize the URL slugs to include target keywords related to the content of the post. This can improve search engine visibility and click-through rates.
9. Include targeted keywords in URL structures: Incorporate relevant keywords in your URLs, particularly in the domain name and slug. However, avoid keyword stuffing and keep it natural.
10. Use HTTPS: Switch to HTTPS for your website to ensure a secure connection. Google prioritizes secure sites in search results, so it can indirectly impact your website's SEO performance.

Remember, optimizing your URL structure alone won't guarantee top search engine rankings. It should be accompanied by other SEO best practices like quality content, proper on-page optimization, link building, and website performance optimization.