What a slug is
A URL slug is the readable part of a path that usually describes the page, such as json-formatter or how-to-merge-pdf-files-online. It helps people understand links before opening them.
Good slug habits
- Use lowercase words separated by hyphens.
- Keep slugs short but specific.
- Avoid dates unless the page is date-specific.
- Do not change existing slugs without a redirect.
Common mistakes
Overlong slugs are hard to read. Slugs stuffed with repeated keywords look messy and are harder to maintain.
FAQ
Should a slug match the title exactly?
No. It should describe the topic clearly, but it can be shorter than the title.
What happens when a slug changes?
Use a redirect from the old URL to the new canonical URL.