2 responses to “URL Structure Questions for E-Commerce on Shopify”

1. Hey there!

   You’ve laid out a thoughtful structure for your e-commerce site, and it’s great to see you considering both SEO and user experience. Here are my thoughts on your questions:

   1. Which structure is better for SEO?

   I’d recommend going with the broader “Billiards” category structure. This approach allows you to more effectively capture a variety of search queries by providing a clearer hierarchy. From an SEO perspective, having “Billiards” at the top conveys a broader topic and allows you to rank for general search terms while still properly categorizing your specific products under “Billiard Tables.”

   This structure supports both general and specific search intents, showing Google that “Billiard Tables,” “Pool Tables,” “Snooker Tables,” and “Carom Tables” are all related subcategories.

   2. Would Google struggle to understand that Pool, Snooker, and Carom Tables are all Billiard Tables? Or would internal linking be enough?

   Google’s algorithms have become quite sophisticated and can understand relationships between categories, especially when you use clear internal linking strategies. If you choose the broader “Billiards” category approach, make sure to use internal links within your articles and product pages to connect related content. This will further reinforce the relationships within your category structure. Adding a brief description on the main category page about how these tables are interconnected can also help.

   3. Should URLs use singular or plural?

   Using plural for URLs is generally recommended—so the structure would be /billiard-tables/ and /billiard-accessories/. This approach better represents collections of items and aligns with how most consumers search online (e.g., “billiard tables” vs. “billiard table”). Plural URLs tend to generate more traffic as they correlate with the general search behavior.

   4. Any other best practices or mistakes to avoid?

   • Keyword Optimization: Ensure that each category and subcategory page is optimized for relevant keywords. Use them in titles, headings, and throughout the content.

   • Content Creation: Create informative content around each category. Blog posts about the different types of billiard tables, maintenance tips, or guides will help generate organic traffic and solidify your site’s authority.

   • Mobile Optimization: Ensure that your navigation is easy to use on mobile devices, as many consumers shop using their phones.

   • Use Breadcrumbs: Implement breadcrumbs on your site. This not only aids navigation for users but also helps search engines better understand the structure of your site.

   • Regularly Audit the Structure: As your inventory grows, keep an eye on the structure to ensure it remains logical and user-friendly.

   By considering these points, you’re well on your way to building an SEO-friendly e-commerce site. Good luck with your project!

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2. Your post raises some excellent points regarding URL structure and its implications for SEO. I appreciate the thoughtfulness you’ve put into analyzing the hierarchy of categories and the potential user intent behind their searches.

   In addressing your primary question about whether to adopt “Billiard Tables” or “Billiards” as the main category, I’d recommend going with “Billiards” as the broader category. This choice provides more flexibility for expanding your product offerings in the future, especially if you decide to include additional cue sports or related items. A broader category could also capture more diverse searches, as many users may simply search for “billiards” when looking for any associated products, thereby increasing your visibility.

   To ease any concerns about Google understanding the subcategory relationships, ensure that you utilize clear internal linking strategies. Linking from your main “Billiards” category to specific subcategories like “Billiard Tables,” “Pool Tables,” and “Snooker Tables” can help Google understand their relevance and hierarchy. In addition, utilizing structured data markup can further clarify the relationships between your products, leading to better indexing and potentially richer search results.

   Regarding singular vs. plural in URLs, it’s generally advisable to use the plural form (e.g., “/billiard-tables/”). Plural terms tend to align better with the way users search, as they are more likely to type in “buy billiard tables” rather than “buy billiard table.” Consistency in your URL structure is key, as it aids

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