How to Use Custom URL Paths in New Google Sites for Better SEO

A custom URL path is a specific, editable part of the URL that comes after your main website domain (e.g., yourwebsite.com/custom-url-path). In Google Sites, creating clear and relevant URLs for each page can greatly improve your site’s search engine optimisation (SEO) and make it easier for visitors to understand the content of each page before they click. For example, instead of a generic URL ending in /page-3, a custom path like /our-services tells users exactly what to expect, improving both usability and SEO.

When users see URLs that match their search queries or clearly describe the content, they’re more likely to click through. A custom URL path that accurately represents your page—like /seo-tips or /contact-us—gives users confidence that they’re clicking on relevant content. Higher click-through rates from search results can improve your site’s ranking over time, sending positive signals to search engines about the value of your content.

Descriptive URLs are memorable and user-friendly, which is especially useful if visitors want to revisit your content later. Instead of searching or scrolling through links, users can remember a URL like /about-our-team. Custom paths make each page more meaningful and accessible, keeping readers engaged and encouraging them to come back.

To add a custom URL path, start by creating a new page in Google Sites or by opening an existing page you want to edit. Custom URL paths are an easy way to categorise pages, so think about the most relevant keywords or short phrases that describe the page’s purpose.

Once your page is ready, select the Properties option in the page settings (gear icon). Here, you’ll see a field for “Custom Path” where you can add your preferred URL ending. Google Sites automatically suggests a path based on your page title, but you can edit this to be shorter or more specific. For example, change “Our Team” to /team to make it simpler and clearer.

A good rule of thumb is to keep your custom paths short—ideally no more than three words. This makes URLs more readable for users and search engines alike. For example, for a contact page, a path like /contact is preferable to /get-in-touch-with-us. Short, clean URLs improve user experience and keep your links easy to remember.

Incorporate relevant keywords naturally in your URLs. For example, if you’re creating a blog about “Marketing Tips,” set the URL path to /marketing-tips to let search engines know the page content. But remember not to over-stuff with keywords; clear and natural language works best. Google Sites makes it easy to keep URLs descriptive and relevant.

Keep URLs simple by avoiding special characters or overly long phrases, as these can clutter the link and make it hard to remember. Stick with dashes instead of spaces to separate words (/case-studies instead of /case studies). Following a consistent, simple style helps users navigate easily and improves SEO readability.

If your website has a page for each service, give each a clear and specific URL path. Instead of a general “/services,” use individual paths like /digital-marketing or /home-renovation to clarify each page’s focus. This not only improves SEO but also makes it easier for clients to find what they need quickly.

For a blog, include descriptive words in the path, such as /seo-basics or /small-business-tips. This makes it clear for visitors and search engines what each page covers, especially useful if you have multiple topics. Consistent URLs help Google and other search engines index your content effectively.

Adding custom URL paths in New Google Sites is a simple yet impactful way to improve SEO and make your content more accessible to visitors. By creating short, descriptive URLs, you make it easier for users to navigate, enhance search visibility, and create a more memorable experience for your audience. Whether you're launching new pages or optimising existing ones, custom URL paths can help your site stand out in search results and deliver a smoother browsing experience.