Semrush: Page URL has more 200 Characters [solved]

Understanding the Issue: Page URLs Longer Than 200 Characters

Semrush often flags URLs exceeding 200 characters, categorizing them as "notices." These are low-priority issues, meaning they typically do not require immediate attention. However, understanding the impact of long URLs and knowing when to address them is essential for maintaining a healthy website.

When You Should and Shouldn’t Fix Long URLs

Most of the time, you should NOT change an existing long URL, especially if:

• It has links pointing to it (check using Semrush).

• It has impressions or traffic in Google Search Console.

Changing a URL will make the original page inaccessible to search engines, causing a loss of SEO value or authority.

Consider fixing long URLs only if:

• There are no backlinks to the URL.

• The URL has no impressions or activity in Google Search Console.

Preventing Long URLs in the Future

Many platforms automatically generate URLs based on the page title. This can result in lengthy, cumbersome URLs.

To avoid this:

1. Review the automatically generated URL or slug during page creation.

2. Shorten the slug to a few essential words. For example, instead of "my-blog-post-about-SEO-and-long-URLs," use "SEO-long-URLs."

Best Practices for URL Creation

For new pages, keep URLs concise, descriptive, and easy to read. Avoid excessive keywords or unnecessary characters. For further guidance, check out the fundamentals of creating new URLs to align your strategy with SEO best practices.

By understanding and managing URL length effectively, you can ensure that your site remains user-friendly and SEO-compliant.