Have you ever clicked on a link, only to be taken to a page with a long and confusing URL?
Or worse, have you ever encountered a broken link that led you to a 404 error page? Or a 301 redirect page?
These are just a couple of bad URL examples that can frustrate and confuse website visitors.
Firstly, let’s talk about long and complicated URLs.
When a URL is too long, it can be difficult for users to remember or type in manually.
Additionally, search engines may have trouble indexing the page, which can hurt your website’s search engine optimization (SEO).
Including unnecessary parameters or special characters in a URL can also make it harder to read and understand.
In short, keeping your URLs short, simple, and easy to read is always a good practice.
Another common bad URL example is using generic or vague URLs that don’t accurately describe the content of the page.
For example, using a URL like “www.example.com/page1” doesn’t give users any indication of what they can expect to find on that page.
This can lead to confusion and frustration, and may even cause users to leave your site.
Instead, use descriptive and specific URLs that accurately reflect the content of the page.
This will not only help users find what they are looking for, but it can also improve your website’s SEO.
Understanding URLs
Pages with URL anchors from internal links brings 50% more traffic than pages without URL anchors.
Structure of a URL
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of a web page. It is composed of several parts, including the protocol, domain name, path, and query string.
Here is an example of a URL: https://www.example.com/path/to/page?query=string.
- Protocol: The protocol specifies the method used to access the resource. The most common protocols are HTTP and HTTPS, but there are others such as FTP and SMTP.
- Domain name: The domain name is the name of the website or server that hosts the resource. It can be followed by a port number if the resource is not served on the default port.
- Path: The path is the location of the resource on the server. It can include directories and file names.
- Query string: The query string is used to pass data to the server. It consists of one or more key-value pairs separated by ampersands.
Common URL Schemes
There are several common URL schemes that are used to access different types of resources:
- HTTP/HTTPS: Used for web pages and other web resources.
- FTP: Used for file transfers.
- SMTP: Used for email.
- TELNET: Used for remote access to a server.
- SSH: Used for secure remote access to a server.
- FILE: Used for accessing files on the local file system.
It’s important to understand the structure of a URL and the different URL schemes in order to create and use URLs correctly. Using incorrect or poorly formatted URLs can lead to errors and make it difficult for users to access the intended resource.
Also see: 5 Ways to Fix Duplicate Content Issue Effectively
Characteristics of Bad URLs
When it comes to URLs, there are certain characteristics that can make them bad. In this section, we will discuss some of the most common characteristics of bad URLs.
Length and Complexity
One of the most common characteristics of bad URLs is their length and complexity.
URLs that are too long and contain too many special characters can be difficult to read and remember.
This can make it harder for users to share the URL with others, and can also make it harder for search engines to crawl and index the page.
Use of Special Characters
Another characteristic of bad URLs is the use of special characters.
Special characters such as %, &, and # can cause problems for search engines and web servers.
In some cases, these characters can even cause the URL to become invalid, resulting in a 404 error.
Misleading Domain Names
Finally, bad URLs often have misleading domain names.
This can happen when a domain name is similar to a well-known website, but is actually a different site altogether.
Refer to a guide to buy domain names to avoid choosing names that could cause such confusion.
This can lead to confusion for users and can even be used for phishing attacks.
Bad URL Examples
| Bad URL | Reason |
|---|---|
http://www.example.com/p?c=123&pid=456 | Unreadable, lacks keywords |
http://www.example.com/prod%20uct%2F | Unreadable characters |
http://www.example.com/search?query=1 | Excessive parameters, unclear structure |
http://www.example.com/1a2b3c4d | Randomly generated, lacks meaning |
http://www.example.com/products/var123 | Overly long, cumbersome |
http://www.example.com/buy-cheap-deals | Keyword stuffed, spammy appearance |
http://www.example.com/page1?ref=home | Duplicate content |
http://www.example.com/products/abc123 | Non-descriptive words |
http://www.example.com/a%23%24b%25 | Special characters, unreadable |
http://www.example.com/item?id=5678 | Poor keyword usage, unclear |
Security Risks Associated with Bad URLs
Bad URLs can pose significant security risks to internet users. These risks can include phishing attempts, malware distribution, and exposure to scams. Here is a closer look at each of these risks:
Phishing Attempts
Phishing is a type of online scam where attackers try to trick users into giving away sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card details, and other personal information.
Bad URLs can be used as part of phishing attempts, where attackers create fake websites that look identical to legitimate ones.
This underscores the need for an SSL certificate, which helps verify the authenticity of your website and protects user data
These fake websites can then be used to steal user information.
Malware Distribution
Bad URLs can also be used to distribute malware, which is malicious software that can harm your computer or steal your data.
Attackers can use bad URLs to trick users into downloading malware onto their devices.
This can happen through fake software updates, email attachments, or other methods.
Exposure to Scams
Finally, bad URLs can also expose users to various online scams.
These scams can include fake investment opportunities, fake job offers, and other types of fraud.
These scams can be difficult to detect, and bad URLs can be used to make them appear more legitimate.
Also see: Ecommerce Security: Threats And Solutions
Detecting Bad URLs
When it comes to identifying bad URLs, there are two main approaches: manual inspection techniques and automated tools and services.
Manual Inspection Techniques
Manual inspection techniques involve visually scanning the URL for any obvious signs of suspicious or malicious content. Here are some things to look out for:
- Misspellings or typos: Hackers often create fake websites with URLs that are similar to legitimate ones but with slight variations, such as replacing an “o” with a “0” or adding an extra letter.
- Unusual characters or symbols: If a URL contains unusual characters or symbols, it could be a sign of a phishing attempt or a malicious website.
- Long or complicated URLs: URLs that are excessively long or complicated can also be a red flag, as they may be trying to hide something.
While manual inspection techniques can be effective, they are not foolproof and can be time-consuming. That’s where automated tools and services come in.
Automated Tools and Services
Automated tools and services use algorithms and databases to quickly identify and flag bad URLs. Here are some examples:
- Google Safe Browsing: This service checks URLs against a constantly updated list of known phishing and malware sites.
- VirusTotal: This tool analyzes URLs using over 70 antivirus scanners and URL/domain blacklisting services.
- PhishTank: This community-driven website allows users to report and verify phishing URLs.
Best Practices for URL Design
Simplicity and Readability
When designing URLs, simplicity and readability should be a top priority.
A simple and readable URL is easy to remember and share with others.
To achieve this, avoid using unnecessary characters, such as underscores, and use hyphens to separate words. Use lowercase letters to avoid confusion and make URLs easier to read.
Consistent Naming Conventions
Consistent naming conventions should be used to ensure that URLs are easy to understand and navigate.
Use descriptive words that accurately reflect the content of the page.
Avoid using vague or generic terms that do not provide any meaningful information.
Additionally, use consistent naming conventions and SEO slugs across all pages on your website to make it easier for users to find what they are looking for.
Avoidance of Sensitive Information
Sensitive information, such as user IDs and passwords, should never be included in URLs.
This information can be easily accessed by unauthorized users and can compromise the security of your website.
Additionally, avoid using personal information, such as names and addresses, in URLs as this can also compromise the privacy of your users.
Also see: Remove Url’s from Google Index
Real-World Examples of Bad URLs
When it comes to website design, one of the most important elements is the URL structure. A well-structured URL can help users easily navigate a website, while a poorly structured one can lead to confusion and frustration. In this section, we will discuss some real-world examples of bad URLs and the pitfalls they present.
E-Commerce Pitfalls
E-commerce websites often have a large number of products, categories, and subcategories. This can make it challenging to create a clear and concise URL structure. Some common pitfalls to avoid include:
- Using dynamic URLs that include session IDs or other variables. These URLs can be confusing to users and can also cause issues with search engine optimization (SEO).
- Including irrelevant information in the URL, such as the date or time of day. This information is not necessary and can make the URL longer and harder to read.
- Using long, complicated URLs that include multiple levels of subcategories. This can make it difficult for users to remember or share the URL and can also lead to issues with SEO.
Social Media Traps
Social media platforms often have their own URL structures, which can be confusing for users who are not familiar with them. Some common pitfalls to avoid include:
- Using shortened URLs that do not provide any context. These URLs can be misleading and may lead users to click on links they did not intend to.
- Including irrelevant information in the URL, such as tracking codes or referral information. This information is not necessary and can make the URL longer and harder to read.
- Using URLs that are too long or complicated. This can make it difficult for users to remember or share the URL and can also lead to issues with SEO.
Preventive Measures and Solutions
Educating Users
One of the most effective ways to prevent bad URL examples is to educate users on how to identify and avoid them.
You can start by teaching them to look for common red flags such as misspellings, unusual characters, and unfamiliar domains.
Encourage them to verify the legitimacy of a website before providing any personal information or clicking on any links.
Another important aspect of user education is to teach them to recognize phishing emails that contain bad URLs.
These emails often use urgent language, threaten consequences, or offer rewards to trick users into clicking on a malicious link.
By teaching users how to identify these common tactics, you can help them avoid falling victim to these scams.
Implementing URL Filters
Another effective way to prevent bad URL examples is to implement URL filters.
These filters can be used to block access to known malicious websites or to restrict access to certain types of websites.
For example, you can use a filter to block access to websites that contain malware or to restrict access to social media sites during work hours.
In addition to implementing URL filters, you can also use web filtering software to monitor and control access to the internet.
This software can be used to block access to certain types of websites, to monitor user activity, and to generate reports on internet usage.
Also see: SEO Techniques For Dynamic Websites
Conclusion
A well-structured URL not only improves the user experience but also helps search engines understand the content of your page.
Avoid using long and complex URLs with unnecessary parameters or special characters.
Instead, use short and descriptive URLs that accurately reflect the content of the page.
Remember to always use lowercase letters in your URLs to avoid confusion and duplicate content.
Use hyphens to separate words in your URLs instead of underscores or spaces.
By following these simple guidelines, you can improve the usability and search engine optimization of your website.
