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    4. Keywords in file names vs folder names

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    Keywords in file names vs folder names

    Technical SEO
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    • wcksmith
      wcksmith last edited by

      We understand the value of a keyword phrase included in the URL.  Is there more value to having that phrase in the folder name of the URL or the file name or does it matter?

      Example:

      http://www.biztoolsone.com/website-design.php

      or

      http://www.biztoolsone.com/website-design/

      Which is best?

      Thanks,  Wick Smith

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • RyanKent
        RyanKent last edited by

        The short answer is, it does not matter.

        The recommendation I would make is to use what some people refer to as "technology-proof" URLs. Drop the file extension. Why?

        • it looks cleaner and nicer to users

        • it makes it a bit harder (more work) for someone who wants to hack your site as they are unsure of your page's language

        • it gives you the flexibility to change technologies without requiring a new URL (from html to php for example)

        The only difference between your URLs then would be the trailing slash. It is a matter of personal preference but I add the trailing slash to indicate a folder, and no slash to indicate it is a file.

        Matt Cutts has a couple videos on URLs and file names which you may enjoy:

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRzMhlFZz9I

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=971qGsTPs8M

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