Optimizing URLs for search engines can significantly enhance indexing, yet achieving superior search engine rankings is closely tied to the default search URL structure of the hosting platform. In this guide, we'll demonstrate how cPanel users can elevate the search URL slug for any WordPress site (http://www.example.com/?s=search-term), thereby boosting its overall SEO performance.
Furthermore, the linchpin for advancing a website's SEO rankings is dependable web hosting. In the context of URLs, selecting hosting plans tailored for URLs ensures heightened uptime, robust security features, 24/7 customer support, and more.
Making a few adjustments will align your search URL slugs more harmoniously with your site's permalinks format. We've discussed configuring the Functions File and modifying the .htaccess file. The overarching goal is to transform the current search structure of the site, ultimately enhancing its SEO standing.
URL slug:
http://www.example.com/?s=search-term into this http://www.example.com/search/search-term.
Table of Contents
Rearranging the Site's Function File
Enhancing the Search URL Slug with .htaccess
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Simply configuring your WordPress website with SEO-friendly URLs is insufficient for effective indexing and improved SEO ranking. It is crucial that the structure of these search URLs appears authentic and is easy for search engine crawlers to read, optimizing the search pages for search engines.
Rearrange Site’s Function File:
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Log in to your cPanel user account.
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Go to the FILES area and click the File Manager button.
The File Manager interface will be accessible.
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Locate the functions.php file by navigating through public_html >> wp-content >> themes.
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Right-click on the functions.php file and choose the Edit option.
The file will be shown in the window for editing.
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Attach the provided code to the end of the file.
/**
* Change search page slug.
*/
function wp_change_search_url() {
if ( is_search() && ! empty( $_GET['s'] ) ) {
wp_redirect( home_url( "/search/" ) . urlencode( get_query_var( 's' ) ) );
exit();
}
}
add_action( 'template_redirect', 'wp_change_search_url' );
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Save Changes and close the editor by clicking on the respective buttons.
It should optimize the structure of the search URL slug to the highest level.
Improve Search URL Slug with .htaccess:
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Log in to your cPanel account.
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Access the File Manager and make edits to the .htaccess file.
Note: Refer to this article for assistance on How To Edit A .htaccess File Through The cPanel File Manager.
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Place the given code at the conclusion of the file.
# Change WordPress search URL slug
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} \\?s=([^&]+) [NC]
RewriteRule ^$ /search/%1/? [NC,R,L]
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Save Changes and close the editor by clicking on the respective buttons.
By employing any of these methods, cPanel users can efficiently modify the search URL slug of a WordPress site, thereby enhancing its SEO.