How to Remove Pages from Shopify URL: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of URL Structure in E-commerce
3. Workarounds to Streamline Your URLs
4. Best Practices for Optimizing URLs for SEO
5. Unlocking Your E-commerce Success with Tevello
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself frustrated by the URL structure of your Shopify store? Perhaps you’ve noticed that all your page URLs include the prefix "/pages," making them longer and less user-friendly. You’re not alone. Many merchants have expressed their discontent with this fixed URL structure, feeling it detracts from their branding and SEO efforts.

As e-commerce continues to evolve, the way we manage our online stores becomes increasingly important. With the rise of the knowledge economy, where digital products and online courses are becoming key revenue streams, a streamlined and professional URL structure can enhance trust and engagement from customers.

In this blog post, we'll explore why it's essential to consider the URL structure of your Shopify store, discuss various workarounds to remove the "/pages" prefix, and share best practices for optimizing your Shopify URLs. We’ll also show you how Tevello can help you create and manage online courses and communities directly within your Shopify store, allowing you to unlock new revenue streams with ease.

Are you ready to enhance your Shopify store’s performance? Let’s dive in!

The Importance of URL Structure in E-commerce

URLs are more than just web addresses; they serve as a crucial element in both user experience and search engine ranking. A well-structured URL can convey essential information about the content of a page, making it easier for users and search engines to understand what they are about to encounter. Here are several reasons why URL structure matters:

1. User Experience: A clean and concise URL is easier to read and remember. For instance, a URL like www.yourstore.com/about-us is far more user-friendly compared to www.yourstore.com/pages/about-us. A straightforward URL can also reduce bounce rates, as users are more likely to click on a link that they perceive as trustworthy and relevant.
2. SEO Benefits: Search engines use URLs as one of the factors to determine the relevance of a page. A shorter, keyword-rich URL can help improve your rankings. According to SEO experts, avoiding unnecessary components like "/pages/" can enhance both the readability and relevance of your URLs, potentially boosting your visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs).
3. Brand Perception: A well-organized URL structure contributes to a professional brand image. If your URLs are cluttered or complicated, it can detract from your brand's credibility. A concise URL structure not only looks professional but also enhances the overall trustworthiness of your online store.

User Experience & Design

Creating an intuitive user experience is vital for online merchants. URLs play a significant role in this aspect. When customers encounter a clean URL, they are more likely to feel confident navigating your site. For example, a URL like www.yourstore.com/resources is much more inviting than www.yourstore.com/pages/resources.

Moreover, a user-friendly URL can improve the likelihood of users sharing links to your content, thereby increasing your store's visibility.

SEO Benefits

Search engines prioritize well-structured URLs for ranking purposes. Clean URLs can lead to better crawlability, which means search engines can index your pages more effectively. URLs that are free of unnecessary prefixes are not only easier for users to read but also more likely to perform well in search results.

Brand Perception

Your online store's credibility is closely tied to how it presents itself, and that includes its URLs. A simplified URL structure conveys professionalism and can elevate the overall perception of your brand. This can be crucial, especially for new customers who may be discovering your store for the first time.

Workarounds to Streamline Your URLs

While Shopify enforces a fixed URL structure that includes "/pages," there are several methods you can use to create cleaner URLs for your Shopify store. Below are some practical workarounds:

1. Using Redirects

One of the most common methods to bypass the "/pages/" structure is through URL redirection. By setting up redirects, you can create a more user-friendly URL that points to your original page. Here's how you can do it:

• Step 1: Navigate to your Shopify admin panel.
• Step 2: Go to "Online Store" and then select "Navigation."
• Step 3: Click on "URL Redirects," and then hit the button to "Create URL Redirect."
• Step 4: In the "Redirect from" field, enter the desired short URL (e.g., "/about-us").
• Step 5: In the "Redirect to" field, enter the full URL including "/pages" (e.g., "/pages/about-us").
• Step 6: Save your changes.

This method allows customers to access your content without seeing the "/pages/" in the URL, thus creating a cleaner experience.

2. Customizing Page Titles

While this won't remove the "/pages/" from the URL, you can optimize the titles of your pages to make them more SEO-friendly. Ensure that your page title accurately reflects the content and includes relevant keywords. This practice can help improve your visibility, even with the existing URL structure.

3. Transitioning to a Headless CMS

For merchants looking for more extensive changes, transitioning to a headless Content Management System (CMS) can be an option. This approach allows for complete customization of the URL structure, offering a more flexible and tailored solution for your online store.

Best Practices for Optimizing URLs for SEO

To maximize the benefits of a well-structured URL, consider the following best practices:

1. Keep It Short and Descriptive

Aim for concise URLs that effectively describe the content. A simple yet descriptive URL is easier for users to remember and share. For example, instead of using www.yourstore.com/pages/about-us, a URL like www.yourstore.com/about-us can be more impactful.

2. Use Keywords Wisely

Incorporate relevant keywords into your URLs to improve SEO. Keywords should reflect the content of the page and align with what users are likely to search for.

3. Avoid Special Characters

Special characters can complicate URLs and make them less readable. Stick to alphanumeric characters and hyphens, which are easier for users and search engines to process.

4. Consistency is Key

Maintain a consistent URL structure across your site. This consistency helps search engines understand the relationship between different pages and can improve navigation.

Unlocking Your E-commerce Success with Tevello

At Tevello, we believe in empowering Shopify merchants to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with their audience. Our all-in-one solution seamlessly integrates into the Shopify ecosystem, eliminating the need for external platforms. With Tevello, you can easily create, manage, and sell online courses and digital products, as well as build vibrant online communities directly within your Shopify store.

Ready to take your Shopify store to the next level? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and discover how our robust features can help you succeed!

Conclusion

Managing your Shopify store's URL structure is essential for enhancing user experience, improving SEO, and solidifying your brand perception. While the "/pages/" prefix can be a frustrating limitation, there are effective workarounds to create a cleaner, more professional URL structure.

By implementing redirects, optimizing page titles, and adhering to best practices for URL optimization, you can significantly improve your Shopify store’s performance.

At Tevello, we are committed to providing Shopify merchants with the tools they need to thrive in the digital marketplace. With our user-friendly platform, you can easily create and manage online courses and build engaging communities that drive customer loyalty and revenue.

Don’t wait any longer. Install the all-in-one course platform for Shopify and start your free trial today!

FAQ

Q: How does URL structure affect SEO?
A: A clean and concise URL structure can improve search engine rankings, as it helps search engines understand the content of your page better.

Q: What are some best practices for SEO-friendly URLs?
A: Keep URLs short and descriptive, use relevant keywords, avoid special characters, and maintain consistency in your URL structure.

Q: Can I remove "/pages/" from my Shopify URLs?
A: While you cannot directly edit the fixed URL structure, you can use URL redirects to create a cleaner user experience.

Q: Will using redirects affect my store’s SEO?
A: When implemented correctly, redirects should not adversely affect your SEO. However, excessive or improper use might lead to complications, so it's essential to use them judiciously.

Incorporating the strategies discussed in this guide can significantly enhance your Shopify store's performance. If you're looking for an easy way to create engaging digital products and communities, don’t forget to learn about our simple, transparent, flat-rate pricing and explore our powerful, all-in-one feature set that can transform your business today!