Creating Search-Friendly URLs (Slugs)

Creating Search-Friendly URLs (Slugs)

A URL is the web address of a page. The “slug” is the part that identifies the specific page.

Example:

Info
yourcity.gov/building-permits

In this example:

  • Domain: yourcity.gov

  • Slug: building-permits

For government websites, clean and readable URLs improve public access, search visibility, and trust.

Why URLs Matter

Residents often:

  • Copy and paste URLs

  • Share links in emails

  • Bookmark important pages

  • Reference links in official documents

Clear URLs are easier to read, remember, and trust.

Search engines also rely on URLs to understand page content.

What Makes a Good Government URL

A strong URL should be:

  • Short

  • Descriptive

  • Easy to read

  • Free of unnecessary words

  • Lowercase

  • Hyphen-separated

Good example:

Idea
yourcity.gov/public-records-request

Poor example:

Warning
yourcity.gov/p?=4827&ref=info


Clear URLs communicate credibility.

Use Resident-Focused Language

Use terms residents search for.

Instead of:

Alert
solid-waste-services

Consider:

Idea
trash-recycling

Instead of:

Alert
municipal-clerk

Consider:

Idea
city-clerk

Choose language the public uses.

Avoid Unnecessary Words

Remove filler words such as:

  • the

  • and

  • of

  • page

  • information

Instead of:

Warning
yourcity.gov/the-building-permit-information-page

Use:

Idea
yourcity.gov/building-permits

Keep it simple.

Do Not Change URLs After Publishing (Without Planning)

Changing a slug after a page is live can:

  • Break external links

  • Disrupt search rankings

  • Cause 404 errors

  • Confuse residents

If a change is necessary, ensure a redirect is created.

Always consult your web administrator before changing URLs on published pages.

Nested URLs and Parent Pages

Some URLs include parent pages.

Example:

Idea
yourcity.gov/departments/public-works

If you change the parent slug (departments), all child URLs may change.

Be cautious when modifying page hierarchy.

Special Considerations for Government Sites

Government websites often:

  • Archive documents

  • Publish legal notices

  • Share links in official communications

  • Reference URLs in public records

Stable URLs support long-term reliability.

Slug Best Practices Checklist

Before publishing a page:

  • Is the slug short and clear?

  • Does it describe the page accurately?

  • Is it lowercase?

  • Are words separated by hyphens?

  • Does it avoid unnecessary words?

If yes, your URL is search-friendly and resident-friendly.

Summary

Search-friendly URLs improve access, clarity, and trust.

Government websites benefit from:

  • Clear naming

  • Stable links

  • Resident-focused terminology

  • Consistent structure

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