Are Long URLs Spammy?

May 6, 2008 - 9:31 am 6 by

I'm sure you've seen those URLs -- www.domain.com/4-star-hotel-in-barcelona-spain.php. The question is: is this a tactic that we consider spammy?

Not really, according to a High Rankings Forum thread. On the other hand, if it was www.domain.com/4-star-hotel-apartment-penthouse-keyword4-keyword5-keyword6-in-barcelona.php, that may raise some eyebrows. Additionally, if you think about it, unless you change the post slug of a WordPress post, thousands of these long URLs are generated every single day. (Tip: Shorter URLs are easier to remember and rock.)

At Cre8asite Forums, the question regarding dashes in a URL is discussed. Is it better than an underscore? Back on the High Rankings discussion, dashes are the default delimiter, if that gives any indication to a widespread preference, but it really doesn't matter.

But if it comes to the actual domain name, it's a lot easier (for you) to go with one that lacks the dash to make it easier for users to remember. They're less inclined to type the dash and it takes a bit of a learning curve. I found that adjustment necessary with brand new webmaster forum Webmaster Talk.

Forum discussion continues at High Rankings Forum and Cre8asite Forum.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Google Search Volatility

More Details

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: June 3, 2026

Jun 3, 2026 - 10:00 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Google Search Console AI Performance Report & AI Blocking Controls (Limited)

Jun 3, 2026 - 7:51 am
Google

Google Adding More Link Cards To AI Responses

Jun 3, 2026 - 7:41 am
Bing Search

Yahoo Scout Slighted By Microsoft Scout? And More on Microsoft Web IQ.

Jun 3, 2026 - 7:31 am
Other Search Engines

ChatGPT Multi-Advertiser Placements & Ads Manager Updates

Jun 3, 2026 - 7:21 am
Google Ads

Google Hotel Ads Drops Several Bid Adjustments - A Bug?

Jun 3, 2026 - 7:11 am
 
Previous Story: The Floating Four At Google: Google's Position Four Seems Funky?