URL
- Meredith's Husband
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
What Is a URL?
A URL, or Uniform Resource Locator, is the full web address you see at the top of your browser. It tells both users and search engines where a page lives on the internet.
When you look at your browser’s address bar, you’ll see something that starts with https:// followed by your domain (like www.example.com) and sometimes additional text after the slash. That entire line of text is the URL. It’s what you share when sending someone to your site and what Google indexes to identify your pages.
Don’t confuse the URL with a permalink or slug — those terms refer to only the part that comes after your main domain (for example, /blog/what-is-a-url). The URL includes everything: the protocol (https), the domain, and the path.
Why Does the URL Matter for SEO?
Your URL matters for SEO because it helps search engines and users find and trust your pages.
Every time someone links to your website — from social media, another blog, or an email — that link points to a specific URL. Search engines like Google count those links as “votes” of credibility. But if your links point to different variations of your site (with and without “www” or using “http” instead of “https”), you’re splitting your authority across multiple URLs instead of building it on one.
For example, Google sees these as four separate URLs:
Even if they look the same to you, search engines treat them as distinct pages. That’s why it’s crucial to pick one consistent version and use it everywhere.
What’s the Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS?
HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, and it’s now the standard for all websites.
The “S” stands for secure, meaning that data exchanged between your website and visitors is encrypted. Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking factor, and browsers like Chrome label HTTP sites as “Not Secure.” If your site still uses HTTP, it’s time to upgrade your SSL certificate so that your site runs on HTTPS.
Once you’re on HTTPS, make sure every internal and external link you share points to that secure version. This consistency helps preserve link equity and ensures users always land on the trusted version of your site.
Should You Use WWW or Not?
You can use either, but be consistent — never mix both.
Technically, www.example.com and example.com are two different subdomains. Your site should redirect automatically to one preferred version, but you should also make a habit of linking to the same one everywhere: social posts, blog guest articles, email signatures, or partner websites.
Consistency in your URL structure ensures that all backlinks and traffic signals strengthen one domain version instead of splitting them.
How Can You Find Your Correct URL?
The easiest way to find your correct URL is to search for your business on Google and click the homepage link in the results.
Once the page loads, look at the address bar and copy the entire URL, including the https:// and www if present. That’s the version Google has indexed. Use that exact version in all your online mentions, from your social media profiles to your marketing campaigns.
If you manage multiple sites or landing pages, make sure all point to your primary URL using the same structure. This keeps your branding consistent and helps search engines crawl your site more efficiently.
What Should You Avoid When Sharing URLs?
Avoid shortening, trimming, or altering your URLs when sharing them — always include the full version with https:// and, if applicable, www.
Leaving those parts out may seem harmless, but it can cause users to land on the wrong version or create duplicate URLs in Google’s index. You should also avoid using link variations in different places — consistency builds trust and SEO authority.
Here’s how it looks in practice:
Before & After Optimization Table
Example Context | Poor Example | Optimized Example |
Sharing your homepage link on social media | ||
Adding a blog link in a guest post | ||
Linking in your email signature |
How Does URL Consistency Help Your SEO?
Consistent URLs consolidate your link authority and strengthen your domain’s credibility.
When all backlinks, shares, and mentions point to a single version of your website, search engines understand that version as the “official” one. This unified authority improves your ability to rank higher and prevents duplicate indexing issues.
If your site receives links across multiple URL formats, search engines might split link value — meaning you’ll rank lower even with great content. By sticking to one version, you send clear signals about your preferred domain.
The Bottom Line
Your URL is more than just an address — it’s the foundation of your SEO identity.
Always use the full, consistent version of your URL (including https:// and your chosen www format). Consistency ensures that every link to your site builds unified authority, helps you rank better, and provides a secure, trustworthy experience for visitors.
If you’re unsure which version is correct, check what Google shows for your homepage and make that your one true URL moving forward.
In short: One business. One URL. One stronger SEO foundation.
