Guide

How to write clean URL slugs

A clean slug makes a URL easier to read, share, remember, and understand before the page is opened.

A URL slug is the readable part at the end of a page address. In /guides/how-to-write-clean-url-slugs/, the slug is how-to-write-clean-url-slugs. It tells visitors and search engines what the page is about.

A good slug is short, descriptive, and stable. It should not include tracking text, dates that may become outdated, or unnecessary filler words.

Slug writing rules

• Use lowercase letters.
• Separate words with hyphens.
• Remove punctuation and special symbols.
• Keep the most important words.
• Avoid changing a published slug unless you can redirect the old URL.

The Slug Generator can turn a title into a clean slug automatically. You can then shorten it by removing words that do not add meaning.

Examples

Title: "How to Count Words Online for Free"

Good slug: how-to-count-words-online

Too long: how-to-count-words-online-for-free-with-a-fast-tool

Too vague: guide-1

Why slugs matter

People often see URLs in search results, browser bars, chats, and documents. A readable slug builds trust. It also helps you manage your own site because you can understand what a page is without opening it.

Choose a slug like you choose a label on a folder: short enough to scan, clear enough to recognize later.