How to Change Page URL in Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Importance of Page URLs
3. How to Change Page URL in Shopify: Step-by-Step Instructions
4. Best Practices for URL Management
5. The Impact of URL Changes on SEO and User Experience
6. How Tevello Enhances Your Shopify Experience
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that a staggering 70% of consumers prefer to engage with content that is easily accessible and memorable? In the world of e-commerce, this statistic translates directly into the importance of having a clean, SEO-friendly URL structure for your Shopify store. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established merchant, the URLs of your web pages play a crucial role in how your store is perceived by both search engines and customers alike.

But let's pose a question: how often do we think about the URLs that guide potential customers to our products and content? If you’re looking to optimize your Shopify store for better user experience and search engine visibility, changing page URLs is a necessary step. In this blog post, we will explore how to change page URLs in Shopify, why it matters, and how Tevello can help you enhance your online presence.

At Tevello, we believe in empowering Shopify merchants to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with their audience. With our all-in-one solution, we enable you to create, manage, and sell online courses and digital products seamlessly within your Shopify store. Our focus on user-friendliness and robust features makes us your ideal partner in e-commerce growth.

In this guide, we will cover:

• The significance of a well-structured URL
• Step-by-step instructions on how to change page URLs in Shopify
• Best practices for effective URL management
• The potential impact on SEO and user experience

By the end of this post, we hope to provide you with not just the technical know-how but also strategic insights that can elevate your online store. So, are you ready to take your Shopify store to the next level? Let’s get started.

Understanding the Importance of Page URLs

What is a Page URL?

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the web address used to access a specific page on the internet. In the context of Shopify, URLs are vital as they direct users to product pages, blog posts, and other content within your store.

Why Do Page URLs Matter?

1. SEO Visibility: Search engines like Google use URLs to understand the content of a page. A well-structured URL can improve your site’s search ranking, making it easier for potential customers to find you online.
2. User Experience: Clean and descriptive URLs enhance the user experience. URLs that make sense to your audience can lead to higher click-through rates.
3. Branding: A clear and concise URL structure aids in brand recognition. When customers can easily remember your URLs, they are more likely to return to your store.
4. Link Sharing: Short, memorable URLs are easier to share on social media, emails, and other platforms, increasing your reach.

Common URL Structures in Shopify

Understanding the default URL structures in Shopify can help you appreciate the need for customization. Common structures include:

• /products/ for product pages
• /collections/ for collection pages
• /pages/ for static pages

However, there may be instances where you want to remove or change these prefixes for better optimization.

How to Change Page URL in Shopify: Step-by-Step Instructions

Changing page URLs in Shopify is a straightforward process. Here’s how we can do it:

Step 1: Log into Your Shopify Admin

1. Go to your Shopify admin page and log in with your credentials.

Step 2: Navigate to the Online Store Section

1. In the left-hand menu, click on Online Store.
2. From the dropdown, select Pages to see a list of your existing pages.

Step 3: Select the Page You Want to Edit

1. Click on the title of the page whose URL you wish to change.
2. This will take you to the page's editing screen.

Step 4: Edit the Page URL

1. In the Search engine listing preview section, click on Edit website SEO.
2. Here, you will see a field labeled URL and handle. This is where you can change the URL.
3. Enter your desired URL. For example, if you want to change https://yourstore.com/pages/contact-us to https://yourstore.com/contact, simply remove /pages/contact-us and replace it with /contact.

Step 5: Save Your Changes

1. After making your changes, make sure to click the Save button at the top right corner of the page.
2. A dialog box may appear to confirm that your URL has been updated.

Step 6: Set Up a URL Redirect (If Necessary)

If you have existing external links pointing to the old URL, it’s essential to set up a URL redirect to maintain SEO value and avoid broken links.

1. In the same Edit website SEO section, look for the option to Create a URL redirect for this page.
2. Check the box to enable it.
3. Click Save again to apply the redirect.

Best Practices for URL Management

While changing your page URLs can significantly impact your store’s performance, it is equally important to follow best practices to ensure these changes yield positive results.

Keep URLs Short and Descriptive

• Aim for simplicity. A shorter URL is easier to remember and type.
• Use descriptive words that convey the page’s content. For example, use /about-us instead of /pages/about.

Use Hyphens to Separate Words

• When creating a new URL, use hyphens to separate words (e.g., /new-product-offering). This improves readability and is better recognized by search engines.

Avoid Special Characters

• Special characters such as !, &, or % can complicate URLs. Stick to alphanumeric characters and hyphens.

Maintain Consistency

• If you have a specific URL structure for certain types of pages, be consistent with it. For instance, if you start with /products/, ensure all product URLs follow this pattern.

Regularly Audit Your URLs

• Conduct regular checks to identify broken links or outdated URLs. Keeping your links up to date is crucial for a positive user experience.

The Impact of URL Changes on SEO and User Experience

Changing your page URLs can have a significant effect on both SEO and user experience. Here’s how:

SEO Implications

1. Indexing: Search engines index URLs to rank content. Changing URLs without proper redirects can lead to lost traffic if search engines can no longer find your pages.
2. Ranking: A well-structured URL can improve your ranking. If your new URL is more descriptive and concise, it may help in ranking for relevant keywords.
3. Backlinks: If other sites link to your old URLs, you risk losing referral traffic unless you set up redirects.

User Experience

1. Navigation: Clear URLs enhance navigation. Users are more likely to click on links that are easy to read and understand.
2. Trust: Clean, professional URLs instill trust in users. They are more likely to engage with a store that has a well-structured URL format.
3. Reduced Bounce Rate: A user-friendly URL can lead to lower bounce rates, as visitors are more inclined to explore your site.

How Tevello Enhances Your Shopify Experience

At Tevello, we are committed to providing Shopify merchants with tools to maximize their online potential. By integrating our app into your store, you can seamlessly create, manage, and sell online courses and digital products—all from a single platform.

Empowering Merchants

• All-in-One Solution: Our platform allows you to manage courses, communities, and digital products without needing external platforms. This streamlines your operations and saves time.
• User-Friendly Interface: We prioritize user experience, ensuring that even those with little technical expertise can manage their Shopify store effectively.
• Robust Features: From course creation to community building, our features are designed to meet the diverse needs of our merchants.

If you’re looking to enhance your e-commerce strategy, we invite you to start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today.

Conclusion

Changing page URLs in Shopify is an essential task that can significantly impact your store's SEO and user experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide and adhering to best practices, you can ensure that your Shopify store is optimized for both search engines and customers alike. Remember, a well-structured URL not only helps your SEO efforts but also enhances the overall user experience, leading to better engagement and increased sales.

As you navigate through the world of e-commerce, consider how Tevello can support your journey. Our all-in-one platform is designed with Shopify merchants in mind, enabling you to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with your audience.

We encourage you to take the next step in optimizing your store. Install the all-in-one course platform for Shopify and begin your free trial today!

FAQ

Can I change the URL of a product page in Shopify?

Yes, you can change the URL of a product page by navigating to the product in your Shopify admin, selecting Edit website SEO, and modifying the URL and handle field.

What happens to old URLs after I change them?

If you change a URL, it’s essential to create a URL redirect to ensure that visitors who access the old link are directed to the new one, preventing broken links and preserving SEO value.

Is there a limit to how many times I can change a URL?

While there is no strict limit on how many times you can change a URL, frequent changes can confuse both users and search engines. It is best to plan URL structures carefully before making changes.

How can I improve my Shopify store's SEO?

In addition to optimizing your URLs, you can improve your store's SEO by utilizing relevant keywords, creating high-quality content, optimizing images, and ensuring your site is mobile-friendly.

Does changing a URL affect my search rankings?

Yes, changing a URL can affect your search rankings. However, if you set up proper redirects and maintain keyword relevance in your new URL, you can mitigate negative impacts.

By following this guide and implementing the strategies discussed, you’ll be well on your way to optimizing your Shopify store for success. Let’s elevate your e-commerce journey together!