Managing a Shopify store can be rewarding, but let's face it, some aspects can be a bit confusing. One common question that pops up is how to remove 'blog' from your Shopify URLs. This might seem like a small detail, but it can have a significant impact on your site's appearance and SEO.
In this blog post, we'll walk through the process of tidying up your Shopify URLs by removing 'blog' from them. We'll cover everything from why you might want to make this change to the practical steps involved. By the end of this guide, you'll have a clearer understanding and the know-how to make your URLs cleaner and more user-friendly.
Why Remove 'Blog' from Shopify URLs?
Before jumping into the how-to, let's talk about the why. Why would you even want to remove 'blog' from your URLs? Well, there are a few reasons. First, a cleaner URL can enhance the user experience. When users see a URL that's easy to read and understand, it can increase trust and click-through rates. Imagine you're searching for an article on a specific topic. Which URL are you more likely to click: www.store.com/blog/article-title or www.store.com/article-title? The latter feels more direct and focused.
Another reason to make this change is SEO. While URLs aren't the only factor in SEO, they do play a role. Search engines prefer URLs that clearly indicate the content of the page. If your URL is packed with unnecessary segments, it might dilute the keywords and reduce the URL's relevance to the content.
Lastly, branding comes into play. A URL that's concise and to the point can reinforce your brand's identity. It signals that you pay attention to detail, which can be a subtle yet powerful message to your audience. All these reasons combined make a compelling case for removing 'blog' from your Shopify URLs.
Understanding Shopify's URL Structure
Shopify's default URL structure includes 'blog' as part of the path for blog posts. This is simply how Shopify has chosen to organize content, and it's consistent across all stores. The default URL might look something like this: www.yourstore.com/blogs/news/article-title. This structure helps Shopify categorize content, but it's not set in stone.
If you're not familiar with URL structures, think of them as the address for a specific piece of content. Just like you wouldn't want a mailing address that's overly complicated, the same goes for your web content. Each segment of the URL serves a purpose, but if one segment doesn't serve your needs, you might want to consider removing it.
While Shopify's default structure works for many, it's not always the best fit for everyone. Businesses with a strong focus on content marketing, for instance, might prefer URLs that align more closely with their content strategy. Fortunately, Shopify is flexible enough to allow for customization, but it does require a bit of tweaking.
The Limitations of Shopify's URL Customization
Now, if you're thinking you can just hop into Shopify's settings and make this change with a click, I hate to burst your bubble. Shopify's customization options for URLs are somewhat limited. While you can modify product and collection URLs, blog posts are a different beast.
The 'blog' segment is part of Shopify's default structure for blog content, and there's no direct setting to remove it entirely. This limitation can be frustrating if you're looking for a straightforward solution, but it doesn't mean you're out of options. It just means you'll need to get creative.
One workaround involves creating redirects. By setting up redirects, you can guide users from the default Shopify URL to a customized URL of your choosing. While this doesn't change the URLs at the core level, it does modify the user experience and can achieve a similar effect.
Using URL Redirects as a Solution
Redirects can be your best friend when it comes to URL customization in Shopify. Essentially, they allow you to send visitors from one URL to another. In this case, from the default Shopify URL to your preferred version without 'blog'.
Setting up a redirect is like putting a signpost in the digital world. You tell browsers, "If someone tries to go here, send them there instead." This can be particularly useful for SEO, as it preserves the link equity of the original URL while directing users to the new one.
Here's how you can set up a URL redirect in Shopify:
- Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
- Navigate to "Online Store" and then "Navigation".
- Click on "URL Redirects".
- Click "Create URL Redirect".
- In the "Redirect from" field, enter the original URL path (e.g., /blogs/news/article-title).
- In the "Redirect to" field, enter your desired URL path (e.g., /article-title).
- Save the redirect.
With this redirect in place, anyone typing in or clicking on the original URL will be automatically taken to your cleaner version. It's not a perfect solution, but it's a highly effective workaround.
Customizing Your Shopify Theme
If you're comfortable with a bit of coding, customizing your Shopify theme can offer more flexibility. By diving into the theme's code, you might be able to adjust how URLs are displayed on the front end.
This approach requires some technical know-how, so it's not for everyone. If you're not tech-savvy, you might want to partner with a developer who can make these changes for you. But if you're up for the challenge, here's a general idea of what you'd do:
- Access the theme code through the Shopify admin panel.
- Navigate to the relevant template files for blog posts.
- Edit the liquid code to adjust how URLs are rendered.
- Test the changes to ensure everything displays correctly.
This method won't change the URL structure on the server side, but it can affect how URLs appear to users. It's another layer of customization that, when combined with redirects, can create a seamless experience.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Before you decide to plunge into changing your Shopify URLs, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. On the pro side, you're looking at cleaner URLs, potentially improved SEO, and a more professional appearance. These are all great reasons to make the switch.
On the con side, there's the complexity of implementation. Redirects, while effective, can be tricky to manage if you're not familiar with them. Theme customization requires coding skills, which might be outside your comfort zone.
There's also the potential for disruption. If not handled correctly, changes to URLs could lead to broken links or lost traffic. It's crucial to ensure all redirects are set up properly and that any changes to the theme code are thoroughly tested.
Ultimately, the decision boils down to your specific needs and resources. If the benefits outweigh the challenges, it might be worth pursuing. But if you're happy with your current setup or lack the resources to make the change, it's okay to stick with what works.
Communicating Changes to Your Audience
If you decide to move forward with URL changes, don't forget about your audience. Communicating these changes can prevent confusion and maintain trust. After all, nobody likes to click a link only to find it's no longer valid.
Consider sending out a newsletter or posting an update on your blog or social media channels. Let your audience know about the change and why it matters. You might even turn it into a positive story about improving the user experience and making your site even better.
This is also an excellent opportunity to remind users to update any bookmarks or saved links they might have. A little communication goes a long way in keeping your audience engaged and informed.
Monitoring the Impact
Once your changes are live, it's time to monitor their impact. Keep an eye on your site's analytics to see if there are any shifts in traffic patterns, bounce rates, or user engagement. This data can give you valuable insights into how the changes are affecting your site.
Don't be surprised if you see a few fluctuations initially. With any change, there's a period of adjustment. But if you notice any significant drops or issues, it might be worth revisiting your implementation to see if any tweaks are needed.
Feedback from users can also provide important insights. Encourage your audience to share their thoughts and experiences. They might spot something you missed, or they might confirm that the changes have made a positive difference. Either way, their input can be incredibly valuable.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, the best decision you can make is to seek professional help. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the technical aspects of URL customization or if you're worried about potential SEO ramifications, it might be time to call in the experts.
There are plenty of developers and SEO professionals who specialize in Shopify. They can guide you through the process, ensuring everything is set up correctly and that your site's performance doesn't take a hit. While there's a cost involved, the peace of mind can be worth it.
Additionally, hiring a professional can free up your time to focus on other aspects of your business. Instead of getting bogged down in technical details, you can concentrate on growing your store and serving your customers.
Final Thoughts
Making the decision to remove 'blog' from your Shopify URLs can be a small change with big benefits. From cleaner URLs to potential SEO improvements, it's a worthwhile consideration for any online store. The key is to weigh the pros and cons, communicate with your audience, and monitor the impact of your changes.
If you're looking for a helping hand, I recommend Pattern. As an SEO agency, Pattern helps ecommerce brands and SaaS startups by creating programmatic landing pages that target a wide range of search terms. This can increase your brand's visibility among people ready to make a purchase. Plus, they craft content designed to convert visitors into customers, making sure your investment delivers real ROI. With a focus on results, Pattern can turn SEO from a guessing game into a growth channel that drives real sales.