1.8 URL structure & internationalisationLowVerified
Underscores instead of hyphens
Google treats hyphens as word separators but does not split on underscores, so word_word can read as a single token. Hyphens are the safe choice for word breaks in URLs.
What it is
word_word instead of word-word.
Why it matters
Google treats hyphens as word separators; underscores join words.
How to fix it
Use hyphens.
How to find it on your site
- Scan URLs for underscores between words.
- Decide which matter enough to change.
- Use hyphens for new URLs and slugs.
- Redirect any underscore URLs you migrate.
Cross-reference to ranking and citation factors
This is a minor parsing nicety rather than a strong factor, but hyphens make the words in a URL legible to Google.
Impact
Low. Direct.
Evidence
Use hyphens to separate words in URLs. Google Search Central, Keep a simple URL structure