Optimizing Shopify SEO by Removing Slash Collections URL Slug
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Understanding the issue with slash collections URL slug
- Moz's guide for optimizing SEO on Shopify
- The issue with duplicate content in Shopify product pages
- The intended behavior and how to fix it
- Exploring a demo store to understand the issue
- Implementing the fix on your Shopify store
- Using the theme editor to update your theme
- The importance of using a theme search tool
- Troubleshooting and reverting changes
Article:
How to Get Rid of Slash Collections URL Slug in Shopify
Introduction:
If you're a Shopify store owner, you might have encountered the issue of slash collections URL slug in your product pages. This can be frustrating and potentially harmful to your SEO efforts. In this article, we will explore the problem and provide a step-by-step guide on how to fix it.
Understanding the issue with slash collections URL slug:
When you visit your product pages from a collection page, you may notice that the URL contains a slash collections URL slug. This happens because Shopify, by default, renders two different URL paths for product pages: the canonical path (slash products) and the non-canonical path (slash collections plus the collection name). This leads to duplicate non-canonical URLs in your store, which can negatively impact your SEO.
Moz's guide for optimizing SEO on Shopify:
Moz is a reputable source for SEO advice. In their guide for optimizing SEO on Shopify, they mention the issue of duplicate content caused by Shopify's default behavior. However, it is important to note that this information may not be up-to-date, and there might be a preferred method to address the issue now.
The issue with duplicate content in Shopify product pages:
Duplicate content can harm your website's search engine rankings. When you have multiple URLs for the same content, search engines may struggle to determine which version to index, resulting in diluted page authority and potential penalties. It is crucial to fix this issue to ensure the best possible SEO performance for your Shopify store.
The intended behavior and how to fix it:
Shopify's liquid code adds the slash collections URL to product pages by default. However, fixing this issue is relatively simple. You can use the pipe filter "within current collection" to remove the slash collections URL slug and only display the slash products URL. This will eliminate the problem of duplicate product URLs in your store.
Exploring a demo store to understand the issue:
To better comprehend the issue and its solution, let's take a look at a demo store. In the out-of-the-sandbox turbo demo store, we can see that when hovering over an item and clicking through, the URL includes the slash collections URL slug. However, in other demo stores like Shopify Supply and Dawn, the URLs only contain the slash products URL. This suggests that not all themes have this issue, and a fix may already be in place.
Implementing the fix on your Shopify store:
To implement the fix on your own Shopify store, you need to access the theme editor. Under the "Shop" section, locate the specific product pages that have the slash collections URL slug. Search for the phrase "within colon collection" in the code snippets. By removing or modifying the relevant code, you can ensure that your product pages only display the correct slash products URL.
Using the theme editor to update your theme:
The theme editor provides an easy-to-use interface for modifying your theme's files. However, it is important to note that the theme editor's functionality may vary based on the theme you are using. Certain theme extensions, such as the Bold theme search tool or the Shopify Theme File Search extension, can enhance your ability to search for specific code snippets within your theme.
The importance of using a theme search tool:
A theme search tool can significantly expedite the process of finding and modifying code snippets within your Shopify theme. Although the specific extensions recommended may not be compatible with the latest version of the theme editor, you can explore alternative options available in the Shopify app store. Using a theme search tool will save you time and effort in making the necessary changes to your theme.
Troubleshooting and reverting changes:
If, after implementing the fix, you encounter any issues or unintended consequences, you can revert the changes using the theme editor's versioning feature. It is advisable to switch back to the original version temporarily to ensure your store functions correctly. However, relying solely on the theme editor's versioning feature for backup purposes is not recommended. Regularly backing up your theme files externally is essential to safeguard against any potential issues.
In conclusion, addressing the slash collections URL slug issue in Shopify is crucial for optimizing your store's SEO performance. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can eliminate duplicate content and ensure that your product pages display the correct URLs. Remember to utilize a theme search tool for efficient code modification and exercise caution when making changes to your theme. With these actions, you can enhance the user experience and boost your store's visibility in search engine results.
Highlights:
- Understand the issue with slash collections URL slug in Shopify
- Follow a step-by-step guide to fix duplicate product URLs
- Explore the potential impact on SEO and search engine rankings
- Use the theme editor to modify your Shopify theme's files
- Consider using a theme search tool for efficient code modification
- Troubleshoot and revert changes if issues arise
FAQ:
Q: Why is it important to fix the slash collections URL slug issue in Shopify?
A: Fixing the issue eliminates duplicate content and ensures better SEO performance for your store. It helps search engines properly index your product pages and avoids diluting page authority.
Q: Will fixing the slash collections URL slug issue affect my existing SEO efforts?
A: No, fixing the issue will not negatively impact your existing SEO efforts. In fact, it will improve your store's SEO performance by eliminating duplicate content.
Q: Can I undo the changes made to my theme if something goes wrong?
A: Yes, the theme editor's versioning feature allows you to easily revert changes. However, it is recommended to regularly back up your theme files externally for additional security.
Q: Are there any alternative tools or extensions for searching and modifying Shopify themes?
A: Yes, you can explore alternative tools and extensions available in the Shopify app store. Look for theme search tools that support the latest version of the theme editor.
Q: Will all Shopify themes have the slash collections URL slug issue?
A: Not necessarily. Some themes may already have the issue fixed, displaying only the slash products URL. It is recommended to check your themes and modify accordingly.
