Dash vs. Underscore - Best URL Structure

The choice between using dashes ("-") or underscores ("_") in URL structures is a significant consideration in search engine optimisation (SEO) and user experience. URL structure serves as a critical component in SEO, acting as a bridge between users and the content they seek. A well-structured URL can enhance user experience, increase click-through rates, and positively impact a website's search engine ranking. Consequently, understanding the implications of using dashes versus underscores is vital for anyone looking to optimise their web presence.

Historically, search engines had difficulty parsing punctuation marks in URLs, however advancements have allowed Google to differentiate between dashes and underscores more effectively. Despite these technological improvements, dashes remain the preferred choice for SEO-friendly URLs. Dashes are recognised by search engines as word separators, making it easier for algorithms to understand and rank content based on relevant search terms. For example, a URL like "seo-friendly-url" is more likely to be interpreted correctly by search engines as an "SEO friendly URL," thereby improving the page's visibility for related queries. And from a user standpoint Tarddeep Kaur from Adlift stated "An SEO-friendly URL structure is crucial for user experience. When visitors see a clear and relevant user-friendly URL, they have a better idea of what to expect when they click on it" (Kaur, 2023).

Underscores present limitations. When Google encounters an underscore in a URL, it treats the connected words as a single term, which may not be optimal for SEO. A URL like "search_engine" would be read as "searchengine," potentially reducing its relevance for search queries. Moreover, underscores are less user-friendly since they often require additional keystrokes to type, making them more cumbersome for users.

Incorporating relevant keywords into URLs can also significantly influence a page's ranking. Keywords in the URL signal the content's topic to both users and search engines, making it easier for search engines to understand and index the page, however it is more evident now that dashes are the better option.

From a technical perspective, URLs should be compliant, indexable, and unique. Google primarily cares about the site's structure and the content behind the URL. Proper URL structure helps search engines discover and index content efficiently, enhancing the site's crawlability. Additionally, the use of appropriate punctuation, such as dashes over underscores, can improve readability for both search crawlers and users. Kristy Ray from Site Centre states"Regarding website ranking, having a proper URL structure is of utmost importance because URLs matter, as even slight differences can generate search results" (sitecentre).

The prevailing industry recommendation is to use dashes in URLs to enhance readability and search engine ranking. This practice aligns with SEO best practices, ensuring URLs are not only user-friendly, however also optimised for search engines. As Google's algorithms continue to evolve, adhering to these guidelines becomes increasingly important for maintaining competitive advantage in search engine rankings and improving overall user engagement.

Rudi Tartaglia

References

Kaur, T. (2023). SEO-Friendly URL Optimization: Mastering Structure for Better Ranking. [online] AdLift India. Available at: https://www.adlift.com/in/blog/seo-friendly-url-optimization-mastering-structure-for-better-ranking/

sitecentre. “Underscores vs. Dashes in URLs.” Sitecentre?, 5 June 2021, www.sitecentre.com.au/blog/dash-or-underscore-in-url-for-seo.