URL Definition
Address of a web page, used to create a unique location of the document on the web. This can be found at the top of most browsers and beings with “http://” followed by a domain name, a domain name extension, one or more sub-directories (optional), a page name (optional), and various parameters (optional).
Types of URLs
Dynamic URLs
Dynamic URLs changes and has parameters and characters like: ? & %.
Example of dynamic URL
http: //www.example.com/url%no$/id=123=nope
Static URLs
A static URL does not change and usually does not contain parameters.
Example of static URL
http: //www.example.com/url/nice-and-clean
Shortening URLs
Shortening URLs is a method of taking long URLs and making them smaller through services such as TinyURL.com, bit.ly, zi.ma, twurl.nl, and many many more. If you are in need of URL shortening services, check out this extensive list from Mashable: URL Toolbox.
There are many reasons why to shorten a URL.
- A URL is to long and is displaying parameters and characters
- Services like TinyURL provide tracking and real time analytics
- Some social media networks have a limit on how many characters are allowed in a message
Below is a video by Matt Cutts explaining the influence of URL shorteners on SEO.
URL Resources
Dynamic URLs vs. Static URLs
Dynamic URLs vs. Static URLs – The Best Practice for SEO
11 Tools to Shorten URLs
