6/29/2009
Use Hyphens, Not Underscores, in URLs
Content Optimization Details
Hyphens versus Underscores in URLs
Google recognizes a hyphen as a word separator, but does not recognize an underscore as a word separator. That being the case, dashes should always be used in URLs so that Google and other search engines can read each word separately.
For instance, if you are trying to optimize for the keyphrase chicago financial planner,
Google reads www.xyz/chicago_financial_planner as chicagofinancialplanner.
Google reads www.xyz/chicago-financial-planner as chicago financial planner.
Although there is debate about whether underscores in URLs affect search results, I think the evidence in favor of using hyphens in URLs is very strong. And while some SEO specialists assert that URL structure has little if any impact on a web page’s search performance, experience suggests to me that properly formatted, keyword rich URLs do matter.
In addition to SEO considerations, usability issues make hyphens the correct choice for URLs.
- Hyphens are easier to type than underscores – no need for the shift key
- Hyphens are easier to read
- Underscores are obscured when URLs are underlined
Another usability (and branding) issue to watch out for is URL consistency across the domain. Lately I’ve worked on sites that mix hyphen and underscore URL formatting. This leaves visitors with the impression the website was built in happenstance fashion. What would you think of an author who used different fonts for the page numbers in his book?
Should Underscored URLs be Converted to Hyphenated URLs?
Properly formatted URLs have search engine and usability benefits. If your pages are performing well on the search engines already and you have plenty of new and return traffic, it may not be advisable to change them. However, if you need to improve in terms of SEO, rewrite them. Here are three good reasons why.
- Ninety-nine times out of 100, you’ll not simply convert the underscores to dashes, you’ll rewrite the URL with better keywords – a double bang for your SEO buck.
- Keyword rich URLs reinforce branding as well as improve long term search engine performance.
- By setting up 301 redirects, neither PagerRank nor search performance will be adversely affected.
As important as I think proper URL formatting is, it is not an SEO quick fix or cure all. It’s very difficult to determine what factors determine how a web page will rank on Google. First of all, many factors contribute. Second, the weight of the contributing factors continually changes.
Certain factors, such as the age of your domain and what your competitors are doing to optimize their sites, are beyond your control. Therefore, content optimization factors you can control should be handled as well as possible.
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21 Responses to Use Hyphens, Not Underscores, in URLs
I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve lain awake, tossing and turning about this very issue!(None. Oops.) But I’m glad to know WP uses dashes – I’ve always considered using underscores as something of a pain, y’know?
But I do have a question about rewriting ‘em, Brad. Is it wise to rewrite existing URL’s? If you do that, won’t every already-existing link to that post be broken? (Assuming, of course, anyone actually IS linking to it in the first place?)
Hi Robert, The 301 redirect keeps those links alive.
“301 directs” work that way, too? It’s automatic? I never knew that. WELL! Then that makes it a whole different kettle of fish, then!
Thanks for teachin’ me something new, Brad. Now I gotta take a look…
Brad,
thanks a lot for that post – I didn’t know that about Google.
Thanks for this tip, Brad. I didn’t know the difference between underlines and hyphens. For some reason, I have developed the habit of using underscores in filenames—somewhere along the line, I got the idea that was good. But I’ve used hyphens in URLs, mainly because it’s easier to type and it’s hard to recognize the underscore when the hyperlink has an underline. But I didn’t know it made a difference in SEO. Nice to know I’m doing something right, even if it’s accidental.
And I’m glad WordPress doesn’t it right automatically.
Hi Lillie, WordPress is well configured for SEO, which is another reason it makes a good platform for entire websites, not just blogs. I believe the underscore convention goes back to early days of programming and may be used out of habit more than anything.
PS – thanks for all your comments & contributions in the LinkedIn Group!
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Brad, Thanks for referencing my post on Pixel Position post, http://pixelposition.com/hyphens-underscores/. (I am rebranding and have not continued discussion on that domain.) I am thrilled, however, to have found you. You share a lot of educational quality content about SEO!!
Your point about usability is a key no matter what Google does! Is the URL readable? Yes with hyphens. Not as easy with underscores. People first!
Nice explanation of the subject!
Hi Dana, Thank you for visiting Word Sell and for your encouraging words! I hope you will come back. Likewise, I think your blog is excellent and just subscribed. You cannot go wrong putting the needs of your human readers first!
Hi Brad – I had no idea that the search engines did not recognise the underscore as a word seperator. Now, I think I might have to go back and start changing some of the url’s of my blogposts.
Hi Cath, If you do that be sure to set up a 301 redirect or any links will be broken. Might be worth doing for popular/potentially popular posts.
Brad,
I was not aware of the point about Google and word separation with respect to the question about hyphens and underscores, and I am certain that many of your clients would be in the same boat in this regard.
Thanks for bringing this matter to attention – particularly important given the extent to which people search for individual key words more frequently than compound words, let alone words which do not make sense when joined together.
Andrew, The use of punctuation in content optimization can be tricky, and people have a tendency to underthink it or overthink it. While I tend to fall in the latter category, I really do think it’s better to be safe than sorry, since undoing things (such as URLs) is a hassle, or worse.
As someone who is new to SEO I have found this post really useful. It has allowed me to understand how it can work as part of the website and not simply by carrying out link building exercises.
The comments that you make about usability are also important, it seems simple but the fact is by taking them into account it can be of real benefit.
Great Post!
Wow….I have spent 100s of hours reading up on SEO and “keywords” and internet marketing in general over the past 6 months and this is the first time I have heard of this. Thank You! If it is true about the engines not recognizing the underscore as a word seperator, then I think it will make a substantial difference to use hyphens. I now have some works to do on my URLs. (i’ve already put your advice into practice….notice my name?)
Danielle, User experience is made up of a lot of little things. This one is easy to overlook.
Neil, Can’t go wrong with hyphens – easier to read, too.
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Didn’t google change that behaviour 2 years ago???
http://www.blog-tutorials.com/marketing-and-seo/linking/google-oks-underscores-as-word-separators-in-urls-and-more-seo-tips/
John, Announced, but not implemented, according to the research I did.