What is URL Folders?
URL folders are the directory-style segments in a web address (like /products/ or /blog/) that organize site structure and help search engines understand content hierarchy. Well-structured folders improve crawlability, signal content relationships, and can enhance user navigation when they reflect logical site architecture.
Ecommerce SEO Glossary > Technical SEO > URL Folders
What You Need to Know about URL Folders
Clear Hierarchy Signals Relevance
Folder depth and naming tell search engines how important pages are relative to your homepage. Shallow, descriptive folders like /services/ typically rank better than deeply nested structures like /a/b/c/services/.
Consistent Structure Aids Crawling
Logical folder organization helps search engine bots crawl your site efficiently. Sites with predictable patterns allow crawlers to discover and index pages more effectively than chaotic structures.
Keyword-Rich Folders Provide Context
Including relevant keywords in folder names (like /seo-services/ instead of /category1/) gives search engines additional context about page content and can improve rankings for those terms.
Avoid Excessive Depth
Google can crawl deep folder structures, but pages buried five or more levels deep often receive less authority and crawl priority. Keep important pages within three folder levels when possible.
Subdomains vs. Subfolders Matter
Subfolders (site.com/blog/) typically pass more authority to your main domain than subdomains (blog.site.com). Use subfolders for content you want to benefit from your root domain’s authority.
Folder Changes Require Redirects
Changing folder structure without proper 301 redirects loses accumulated page authority and creates broken links. Plan folder architecture carefully during initial site development to avoid costly restructuring later.
Frequently Asked Questions about URL Folders
1. How deep should URL folders go for SEO?
Keep important pages within three folder levels of your homepage. While search engines can crawl deeper structures, excessive depth dilutes page authority and reduces crawl priority for buried content.
2. Should I use keywords in folder names?
Yes, descriptive keywords in folder names provide search engines with content context and can improve rankings. Choose clear, relevant terms that reflect actual content rather than keyword stuffing.
3. Do subfolders or subdomains work better for SEO?
Subfolders generally work better because they consolidate authority under your main domain. Subdomains are treated more independently, which means they don’t benefit as much from your root domain’s established authority.
4. Can I change my URL folder structure?
You can change folder structure, but it requires careful planning and proper 301 redirects from old URLs to new ones. Without redirects, you’ll lose accumulated page authority and create broken links that harm rankings.
Explore More EcommerCe SEO Topics
Related Terms
Let’s Talk About Ecommerce SEO
If you’re ready to experience the power of strategic ecommerce seo and a flood of targeted organic traffic, take the next step to see if we’re a good fit.