What it is
A URL made of IDs and parameters tells neither users nor machines what the page is about. A readable, word-based URL is a small ranking and usability signal and looks far more trustworthy in an AI citation. URLs are IDs/params, not words.
Why does non-descriptive urls matter for AI search?
Descriptive URLs help users and provide mild relevance/usability signals.
How do you fix it?
Use readable, word-based paths.
How do you find it on your site?
- Scan your URLs for ones built from numeric IDs or query parameters instead of words.
- Identify templates that generate opaque URLs.
- Move to descriptive, keyword-relevant slugs where you can.
- Redirect the old URLs to the new descriptive ones.
Which ranking and citation factors does it touch?
Descriptive URLs are a minor ranking factor and a real trust and click signal. They also read better when an AI shows the source link.
What is the impact?
Low-medium. Direct (best practice).
What is the evidence?
Use a simple, descriptive URL structure. Google Search Central, Keep a simple URL structure
Frequently asked questions about non-descriptive urls
What does "Non-descriptive URLs" mean?
URLs are IDs/params, not words.
How do you fix non-descriptive URLs?
Use readable, word-based paths.