Google: Keywords In URLs A Very Small Ranking Factor

Feb 3, 2016 - 8:18 am 22 by

Chalkboard8 Google 1900px

In the Google hangout from last week on Google+ at the 17:50 minute mark John Mueller of Google said that keywords in the URL is a "very small ranking factor."

The question: "Keyword in the URL, is that a ranking factor?"

The answer:

I believe that is a very small ranking factor. So it is not something I'd really try to force. And it is not something I’d say it is even worth your effort to restructure your site just so you can get keywords in your URL.

Here is the video embed:

Note, this is nothing new, we covered it back in 2006, and we ran a poll in 2009. Google has said it is not worth changing your URLs to get keywords in them.

So if you build a new page or site, then go with keywords but don't spam it out.

Forum discussion at Google+.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: February 24, 2026

Feb 24, 2026 - 10:00 am
Bing Search

Microsoft Thwarts AI Prompt Injection Attacks Aimed To Manipulate AI Engines

Feb 24, 2026 - 7:51 am
Google Ads

Google Ads Support Form Requires You To Authorize Google To Make Changes

Feb 24, 2026 - 7:41 am
Bing Search

Microsoft Advertising Tests Shopping Carousel With Multiple Images Toggle

Feb 24, 2026 - 7:31 am
Google

Google Tests Removing Dates From Articles In Discover Feed

Feb 24, 2026 - 7:21 am
Bing Ads

Bing Updates Shopping Ads Design

Feb 24, 2026 - 7:11 am
 
Previous Story: Google Adds Letter Pointers To Local Pack Results