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Is having numbers in your URL damaging your SEO efforts?

A screenshot of a website page for a company called Leading Edge Copywriting. The search bar has a good sample URL incorporating numbers that read: leadingedgecopywriting/10-quick-fix-sales- copy-tips-for-instant-start-up-growth. In the header section, there is the company logo and navigation links, including “Home,” “About,” “B2B Sales Enablement,” “Services,” “Work Samples,” “Newsletter,” “Blog,” “FAQ,” and “Contact Us.” In the centre, the caption reads, “Simplicity in URLs: The Key to Better SEO!”

You’ve spent countless hours perfecting your website’s content. You’ve followed every SEO best practice.

But could a simple number in your URL be undoing all your hard work?

Let’s explore this common concern and uncover the truth about numbers in URLs.

Have you ever wondered if those numerical digits in your web address are the silent saboteurs of your search engine rankings?

Understanding URLs and SEO

URLs or Uniform Resource Locators are the web addresses that guide users and search engines to your content. They play a crucial role in SEO, affecting how easily search engines index and rank your site. A well-structured URL can enhance user experience and boost your SEO efforts.

But what happens when numbers enter the equation?

The Impact of Numbers in URLs:

User Experience (UX)

Readability: Numbers can make URLs less readable, which might deter users from clicking. A URL like example.com/5-best-seo-tips is more readable than example.com/12345-best-seo-tips.

Trustworthiness: URLs with random numbers can appear spammy or untrustworthy, impacting click- through rates.

SEO Considerations:

  •  Keyword Relevance: Search engines prioritise URLs that indicate the content’s relevance. Numbers can dilute keyword focus, especially if they seem random

  •  Consistency: Keeping URLs consistent and straightforward helps search engines better understand and index your site. Unnecessary numbers can complicate this process.

When Numbers Are Beneficial?

Not all numbers are detrimental. Here are situations where numbers can enhance your URL:

Content Series or Sequels: If you publish a series, numbers can indicate the sequence and make navigation easier.

For example: example.com/part-1-seo-basics and example.com/part-2-advanced-seo.

Listicles: Numbers can attract attention and clicks in listicle articles.

URLs like example.com/10-tips-for-seo-success are often compelling.

Dates: Including URL dates can indicate freshness and be useful for news articles or time-sensitive content.

For instance: example.com/seo-trends-2024.

Best Practices for URL Optimisation:

  •  Keep it Simple and Descriptive

➜ Ensure your URL accurately reflects the content.
➜ Use words that describe the page’s topic.

  •  Avoid Unnecessary Characters

➜ Exclude irrelevant numbers and characters that don’t add value or clarity.

  •  Use Hyphens to Separate Words

➜ Hyphens improve readability and help search engines parse your URL correctly.

For example, example.com/seo-tips are better than example.com/seotips.

  •  Include Keywords

Incorporate primary keywords that briefly describe your content, improving search engine visibility.

Numbers Are Not Always Bad

While random or irrelevant numbers can complicate URLs and potentially harm your SEO, strategically used numbers can enhance user experience and clarify content. The key is to balance readability and relevance, ensuring your URLs are clean, descriptive, and user-friendly.

Key Takeaways:

  •  Numbers in URLs are not inherently bad, but their impact depends on context and implementation.

  •  Prioritise readability and relevance when including numbers.

  •  Use descriptive, keyword-rich URLs to improve both user experience and SEO.

Do you have questions about optimising your URLs or other SEO strategies? DM me to discuss how we can elevate your website’s performance. Let’s turn those digits into digital success!