URL parameters

Definition

URL-parameters are variables that are passed to a URL and add additional information to an existing web address. These variables are usually called "query parameters" and are separated from each other by a question mark (?) and at the end by an equal sign (=).

Which URL Parameter are there?

URL-parameters are basically additional information that is linked to a basicURL angehängt werden, oft nach einem „?“ Symbol. Sie können aus vielen Gründen verwendet werden, von der einfachen Änderung der angezeigten Inhalte bis hin zur Verfolgung von Nutzeraktivitäten.

Here are different types of URL-parameters and what they do:

1. Functional parameters:

   • Purpose: These parameters affect how the page works or what content is displayed.
   • Example: ?lang=en
   • Illustration: The page is displayed in German because the "lang" parameter is set to "de".

2. Search parameters:

   • Purpose: Often used by search engines or web page search fields to know what information is being searched for.
   • Example: ?q=sneaker
   • Illustration: This shows results for "sneakers" on an online store.

3. Sorting and filtering parameters:

   • Purpose: These are used to display data in a certain order or to filter certain criteria.
   • Example: ?sort=price&order=asc
   • Illustration: This shows products sorted by price in ascending order.

4. Pagination parameters:

   • Purpose: Helps navigate through multi-page content.
   • Example: ?page=2
   • Illustration: Shows the second page of a blog or product list.

5. Tracking and analysis parameters:

   • Purpose: These parameters are used to collect data about how and from where users arrive at a website.
   • Example: ?utm_source=facebook
   • Illustration: This shows that the visitor came via a link from Facebook.

6. Session and identification parameters:

   • Purpose: Holds information about the user or his session.
   • Example: ?sessionid=1234567890
   • Illustration: This could be used to identify a logged in user or a shopping cart session.

7. Affiliate and referral parameters:

   • Purpose: Tracks referrals from affiliate websites and can be used to calculate commissions.
   • Example: ?ref=partnersite
   • IllustrationIndicates that the visitor was referred by "partnerseite".

It is important to know that parameters can be used to make web pages dynamic and that they can greatly influence the user experience. However, they can also cause SEO problems if not managed correctly (e.g. by creating duplicate content). But with the right knowledge and management, they are super useful tools in the digital world! 🌍🔗👩‍💻

Typical use cases of the "?" URL parameter:

The "?URL-parameter is used to pass special information to the website you are visiting. It is especially useful if you have a search function on your website or if you use special forms on your website.

Examples, such as the "?URL-parameter could be used:

1. You could use the "?URL-parameter to send a search query to a Search Engine to send. For example: "https://www.google.com/search?q=katzen"
2. You could use the "?URL-parameters to pass special information in a form on your website. For example: "https://www.example.com/form.php?name=John&[email protected]"
3. You could use the "?URL-parameters to redirect users to a special page on your website that responds to their input or location. For example: "https://www.example.com/products.php?category=electronics&location=Germany"
4. You could use the "?URL-parameters to redirect users to a special version of your website customized for their location or language. For example: "https://www.example.com/index.php?lang=de"
5. You could use the "?URL-use parameters to redirect users to a specific page on your website when they click on a link in an email or social network. For example: "https://www.example.com/welcome.php?source=email"

URL parameters and SEO

URL-Parameter können in Sachen SEO eine ziemliche Zwickmühle sein. Wenn sie nicht richtig gehandhabt werden, können sie wirklich Kopfschmerzen bereiten. Aber keine Panik! Ich werde dir erklären, worauf du achten solltest.

1. Duplicate content:
   • Problem: Wenn verschiedene URLs dank Parametern den gleichen Inhalt anzeigen, kann das für Suchmaschinen verwirrend sein. Sie wissen dann nicht, welche URL indexed should be.
   • Example: website.com/product?color=red and website.com/product?color=blue show the same product, only in different colors.
   • Solution: Use the canonical tag to show search engines which version is the "major" version.
2. Crawl budget:
   • ProblemSearch engines have a "crawl budget". If you have many URLs with different parameters, the bots might spend a lot of time crawling them instead of important content.
   • Illustration: Imagine that a robot had to find the exit in a maze of corridors and doors.
   • Solution: Prevent browsing of unimportant parameter URLs using the robots.txt or by "Noindex" statements.
3. Messy URLs:
   • Problem: Lange und komplizierte URLs können weniger klickfreundlich sein. Ein Nutzer könnte durch eine chaotische URL be deterred.
   • Example: website.com/category?sort=price&filter=red&page=3 - looks pretty cluttered, doesn't it?
   • Solution: Consider which parameters are really necessary and whether there are cleaner ways to convey this information.
4. Structural hierarchy:
   • Problem: Parameters can dilute the perceived structure of your website.
   • Illustration: If you are reading in a book without a clear capiWhen you read the headlines, it is difficult to understand the content.
   • Solution: Use breadcrumb navigation and clear URL structureen to maintain hierarchy and context.
5. Missing tracking parameters:
   • Problem: Often people use URL-Parameter für das Tracking von Marketingkampagnen. Wenn diese Parameter in den Suchergebnissen auftauchen, kann das problematisch sein.
   • Example: website.com/landingpage?utm_source=facebook - should not show up in the search results!
   • Solution: Make sure that such tracking parameters are never indexed werden. Verwende auch das Tool „URL-Parameter“ in den Google Search Console-settings to tell Google how to handle certain parameters.

In summary: URL-Parameter sind nicht per se schlecht für SEO, aber du musst wachsam sein und sicherstellen, dass sie dein SEO nicht versehentlich sabotieren. Halte es sauber, halte es klar, und behalte den Überblick! 🤖🔗🕸️

Advantages

URL-parameters allow web developers to integrate syndication and commenting features into their website. The parameters can be used to Webmaster simplify navigation on their website and display relevant information about the current page. This allows users to find the information they need faster.

Disadvantages

URL-parameters also have some disadvantages. Since they are dynamic, they are prone to errors and can create a poor user experience. If the parameter is set incorrectly, the page may not load properly or the entire server may crash.

Use cases

URL-parameters are useful when Webmaster need to track a specific page on their website. You can also use these parameters to track how many visitors land on a particular page. They can also be used to display certain information to users, such as news posted on the website.

10 practical use cases of URL parameters:

URL-parameters, sometimes also as query strings or URL-queries, are used to retrieve specific data in a URL zu übertragen. Sie sind super hilfreich, um Webinhalten Dynamik zu verleihen oder Nutzerverhalten zu verfolgen.

Here are 10 examples of URL-parameters with practical illustrations:

1. Language setting: ?lang=en
   If you are visiting a multilingual website, this parameter could ensure that you are shown the correct language version. Example: website.com/site?lang=en
2. Search queries: ?q=sneaker
   You'll see this a lot when searching online stores or websites. Example: webshop.com/search?q=sneaker
3. Sorting: ?sort=price-ascending
   Useful in online stores to display products in a specific order. Example: webshop.com/products?sort=price-ascending
4. Page numbering: ?page=3
   When an item or product list has multiple pages. Example: blog.com/article?page=3
5. Filter: ?color=red&size=40
   To filter products according to certain characteristics. Example: webshop.com/shoes?color=red&size=40
6. Session IDs: ?sessionid=1234567890
   Temporary IDs to track individual user sessions. Example: website.com/login?sessionid=1234567890
7. Referral: ?ref=partnersite
   To track which partner site a visitor came from. Example: myweb.com/landing?ref=partnerpage
8. Affiliate IDs: ?affid=56789
   So that affiliates can receive their commission for referred customers. Example: store.com/offer?affid=56789
9. Currency: ?currency=EUR
   To display prices in a specific currency. Example: webshop.com/products?currency=EUR
10. Tracking for marketing campaigns: ?utm_source=facebook
    These are often used to control the Traffic Of various marketing campaigns to track. Example: myweb.com/new-product?utm_source=facebook

Da hast du sie, 10 praktische Beispiele für URL-Parameter! Wenn du sie das nächste Mal in einer URL siehst, weißt du jetzt, was sie wahrscheinlich bedeuten. Und wenn du selbst eine Webseite oder einen Online-Shop hast, kannst du überlegen, wie du sie effektiv einsetzen kannst! 👨‍💻🔍🌐

Conclusion

URL-Parameter sind so wie die Gewürze in einem Gericht. In der richtigen Menge können sie das Erlebnis verbessern, aber zu viel davon, und es könnte alles ruinieren. Sie sind mächtige kleine Dinger, die sowohl nützlich als auch schädlich sein können, je nachdem, wie du sie einsetzt.

Usefulness: They make websites dynamic and allow customization based on user preferences, session information, or tracking needs. For example, they can ?sort=date Help a user sort blogposts by date. Or ?utm_source=newsletter could show you that a visitor came through your newsletter. That's pretty cool, isn't it?

Pitfalls: Andererseits können sie, wenn sie nicht korrekt gehandhabt werden, zu einer Menge von SEO-Problemen führen. Unkontrolliert könnten sie zu massenhaft doppelten Inhalten führen oder dein Crawl-Budget verschwenden. Stell dir vor, ein Roboter würde in einem überfluteten Keller nach einem Tropfen Wasser suchen – das ist, wie es für Suchmaschinenbots ist, wenn sie versuchen, eine Website mit schlecht verwalteten URL-parameters.

Caution is the mother of china: The ideal handling of URL-Parametern erfordert sorgfältige Planung und regelmäßige Überwachung. Nutze Tools wie die Google Search Console, um Parameter effizient zu steuern und sicherzustellen, dass Suchmaschinen sie so interpretieren, wie du es beabsichtigst.

At the end of the day URL-Parameter nicht böse. Sie sind nur ein weiteres Tool in deinem digitalen Werkzeugkasten. Aber wie bei jedem Werkzeug, kommt es darauf an, wie du es benutzt. Nutze sie klug, behalte sie im Auge und lass sie für dich arbeiten, nicht gegen dich.

So, happy URL-Parametrisieren! Und vergiss nicht, immer mal wieder nachzusehen, ob alles so läuft, wie es sollte! 🌐🔧🤓