A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) specifies a resource's location, like a web page on the internet. It also specifies how to retrieve the resource, also known as a protocol, e.g., HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and many more. While designing your website, you may need to consider the benefits that come with customizing your URL. Studies reveal a customized URL achieves a 34 percent higher CTR when compared to an unbranded URL.
Are customized URLs truly necessary? This piece will focus on everything you need to know about custom URLs
A customized URL is a unique website address that has been branded for marketing purposes. Ideally, the customized URL converts a long address into a shorter, customized link that syncs well with your brand and is more trustworthy to click. A customized page URL aims to create a memorable, descriptive, and pronounceable link for redirecting your visitors from one location to another. The URL may feature a name or brand identity that comes in handy in directing traffic from social media, print-based marketing activities, and email marketing into your website.
Custom URLs can boost your brand's online presence. Besides building trust, a short and easy-to-remember URL increases your audience's likelihood to visit your website.
The following are the key benefits that come with a custom URL:
A long URL often lacks the right keyword combination to have it show up quickly on search engines. This often discourages potential visitors from Googling using the URL. An easy-to-remember URL motivates more potential website visitors to use it when searching for information on search engines.
Standard URLs feature unidentifiable generic links, which most internet users associate with spam messages. Custom URLs, however, are branded in a manner that gives the user a heads up on where the link will lead them exactly. This helps build trust and enhances user experience.
Adding your keyword in your URL slug helps boost your SEO efforts. It is advisable to have your brand name associated with your choice of keywords for when Google searches for a keyword. Several studies reveal shorter URLs tend to rank better than long URLs. Again, when users trust your URL, it's going to trickle down and positively impact your overall SEO.
With the exponential rise of social media, it is critical to leverage every available resource to give your brand higher visibility. Your link is one of the powerful resources at your disposal that you can use to boost brand visibility. With a custom URL, you can add your brand to your link instead of advertising other companies' brands.
There are no doubt custom URLs help brands to achieve their marketing goals faster. If you want to get the best chance at success, keep in mind the following best practices:
Custom URLs are useful for creating an immediate moment of trust for your visitors. The URL is designed to be specific to your website and your business, and this helps reach your audience faster and convert more prospects. If you need help creating a custom URL to boost your brand visibility and build trust with users, don't hesitate to contact Engage. We design, optimize and manage websites for our clients. Contact us today to
learn more.