Subfolder

Definition

A subfolder refers to a directory located under the main root directory or another subdirectory within a website server. It is an integral part of a URL showing the exact location of a particular web page on a website. For example, in the URL “www.example.com/blog/post1”, “/blog/” is a subfolder of the main root directory indicated by “www.example.com”.

Subfolder Relevance For SEO

From an SEO perspective, subfolders are crucial as they influence search engine indexing and ranking. They add hierarchy level and structure to a website, making it easier for both users and search engine bots to navigate and understand the website’s content. Proper use of subfolders can bring about better site organization, leading to improved crawling and indexation by search engines like Google.

Furthermore, search engines treat each subfolder as a part of the entire domain, sharing the domain’s authority. Hence, new content published in a subfolder can benefit from the domain’s cumulative SEO efforts, rather than having to build its authority from scratch.

Subfolder Best Practices for SEO

• Logical Hierarchy: Ensure your subfolders reflect a logical site hierarchy and topical organization. This will enhance website navigation for both users and search engine bots.
• Use Descriptive Names: It’s advisable to use descriptive names for your subfolders related to the content they contain. It helps in improving the relevance of your pages to targeted keywords.
• Limit Depth: Try to limit subfolder depth to prevent your site structure from becoming too complex. A nested structure too deep could dilute link equity, reduce crawling efficiency, and confuse website users.
• Avoid Keyword Stuffing: While it’s important to use keywords in your subfolder naming, don’t overdo it. Keyword stuffing might cause search engines to perceive your activity as spam, which would negatively impact your rankings.