URL

URL in a nutshell

THEURL, or Uniform Resource Locator, is the unique address that identifies and locates a resource on the Internet. It is the element that you enter in a browser bar to access a web page, image, file, or other online data. The URL acts both as an entry point for users and as a reference for search engines. Its structure plays an essential role in the organization, readability and referencing of a site. A clear, concise, and well-optimized URL can improve the user experience and the site's visibility in search results.

What is a URL and how is it structured?

A URL generally consists of several segments: the protocol (like https://), the domain name (like example.com), and then the path to the resource (/blog/article). It can optionally include parameters (like? id=42), an anchor (#section), or subdomains. Together, these elements form a complete address that points to a specific resource, while respecting a universal location logic.

On a well-built site, URLs should reflect the hierarchy of information and align with the site's navigation structure. They should be readable by humans, contain relevant keywords without being over-optimized, and avoid technical strings or dynamic identifiers. In Webflow, URL slugs are customizable and should be thought of as SEO elements in their own right.

Why URLs are important for experience and SEO

Beyond their technical function, URLs actively contribute to the clarity of navigation. A well-formulated URL can be understood at a glance, easily copy-pasted, shared unambiguously, and optimally indexed. Search engines use the words in the URL to determine the subject of the page and its relevance to a query. On the user side, a simple URL inspires trust, while a complex or outdated URL can hinder engagement.

Optimizing URLs is therefore both a good UX practice and an SEO strategy. It requires a consistent structure, the use of hyphens to separate words, the absence of uppercase letters, special characters or unnecessary parameters, and a moderate length. Webflow makes it easy to edit each slug, which makes it easy to set up an SEO-friendly tree structure as soon as the site is designed.

Examples of URLs and interpretations

Best practices for optimizing URLs in Webflow

URL management in Webflow is mainly based on the definition of slugs. Each static page, CMS collection, or product can have its own slug, editable via the Designer interface or project settings. To optimize these slugs, it is advisable to use short, relevant and explicit keywords, to avoid duplicates, and to ensure consistency between the URL, the title of the page and its content. Webflow also automatically generates a sitemap.xml and makes it possible to manage 301 redirects, which makes it easy to maintain a healthy architecture even in the event of a redesign.

Rewriting URLs should always be accompanied by a redirection if the old one is already indexed. This prevents 404 errors and maintains the acquired SEO value. In addition, for multilingual sites or sites with a complex structure, the organization of folders (for example /fr/ or /en/) must be anticipated from the start, as it impacts both indexing and the user experience.

Conclusion

The URL is much more than just a link: it is an indicator of trust, structure and quality for users and engines alike. In Webflow, the customization of URLs allows a fine control of the hierarchy, SEO, and readability of the site. By taking the time to build your slugs, you improve navigation, indexing, and the overall impact of the site. It is a simple, but powerful tool for building a more professional and sustainable online presence.