A Uniform Resource Locator, or URL, is the full web address used to find a specific page or file on the internet. It tells your browser where to go and what to load.
For example:
https://www.example.com/blog/article.html
This is a complete URL that points to a specific blog article.
Why Are URLs Important?
URLs are essential for:
- Navigating the web – Every webpage, image, or file on the internet has its own URL.
- Sharing content – URLs are what we copy and paste to share links.
- SEO – Search engines use URLs to find and organize web pages.
Basic Parts of a URL
A standard URL includes several key components:
- Protocol – Tells the browser how to access the resource (e.g., http or https)
- Domain Name – The name of the website (e.g., www.example.com)
- Path – The specific location of the page or file (e.g., /blog/article.html)
Optional parts may include:
- Port – Used in special cases for server access (e.g., :443)
- Query string – Extra info after a ?, often used in forms or tracking
- Fragment – A link to a specific part of a page (e.g., #section1)
SEO and URLs
For SEO, good URL structure helps search engines and users understand what a page is about. Tips for SEO-friendly URLs:
- Keep them short and descriptive
- Use keywords related to the page topic
- Avoid using random numbers or special characters
- Use hyphens – to separate words (not underscores _)
Example:
✅ www.example.com/seo-guide
❌ www.example.com/page?id=123
Summary
A URL is the digital address for any resource on the web. It plays a key role in navigation, SEO, and how users interact with websites. A clear and well-structured URL can improve both user experience and search engine visibility.