URL Slug Meaning & Examples
Definition
A URL slug is the part of a web address that comes after the domain name and identifies a specific page. In eCommerce, slugs are used for product pages, categories, and blog posts (e.g., example.com/product/blue-tshirt).
Good or Bad?
Good, when slugs are short, descriptive, and SEO-friendly.
Bad, when they are long, filled with random characters, or don’t reflect the page content.
Why does it matter?
Because a clean, descriptive URL slug improves SEO, makes links easier to share, and helps customers understand what the page is about.
Poorly structured slugs can confuse users and hurt search engine rankings.
Common Mistakes
- Using automatically generated slugs with numbers or random strings.
- Adding unnecessary stop words like “and,” “the,” or “of.”
- Making slugs too long or keyword-stuffed.
- Changing slugs without proper redirects, causing broken links.
How to Improve It?
- Keep slugs short, clear, and relevant to the page.
- Use lowercase letters and hyphens instead of spaces or underscores.
- Include target keywords naturally for SEO benefits.
- Set up 301 redirects if you ever change a slug.
Recommended Plugin
Slugs Manager: Delete Old Permalinks for WooCommerce by WPFactory.
This plugin helps manage and clean up old or changed slugs, ensuring there are no broken links and improving overall site SEO.
Real-World Example
A WooCommerce store selling handmade mugs changes the product slug from example.com/product/p1234 to example.com/product/ceramic-coffee-mug. This improves search visibility and makes the link more user-friendly.
Related Terms
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
- Permalink
- Redirects
- Product Page
FAQs
Can I change a slug after publishing a product?
Yes, but you should set up redirects to avoid broken links.
Do slugs affect SEO rankings?
Yes. Search engines use them to understand page context, so descriptive slugs improve visibility.
What’s the difference between a permalink and a slug?
A slug is just one part of the permalink (the full URL).
