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Underscores In URLs: How to Solve It

Underscores in URLs refers to using the underscore character as a word separator in a URL slug, such as blue_widgets instead of blue-widgets. Google's URL parsing treats hyphens as word boundaries but does not reliably treat underscores the same way, sometimes reading an underscore-joined phrase as a single concatenated word rather than separate keywords. This can reduce how well the URL's words are matched against user search queries, a minor but avoidable on-page SEO inefficiency.

Underscores in URLs: How to Solve It

Underscores in URLs refers to using the underscore character as a word separator in a URL slug, such as blue_widgets instead of blue-widgets. Google's URL parsing treats hyphens as word boundaries but does not reliably treat underscores the same way, sometimes reading an underscore-joined phrase as a single concatenated word rather than separate keywords. This can reduce how well the URL's words are matched against user search queries, a minor but avoidable on-page SEO inefficiency.

Why this happens

This pattern often comes from filenames or database field names that use underscores as their natural separator getting carried straight through into URL slugs without an SEO-friendly slug generation step converting them to hyphens. Some older CMS platforms and file-upload-based URL structures default to preserving underscores exactly as typed rather than normalizing them, and developers accustomed to underscore naming conventions in code sometimes carry that habit straight into user-facing URLs without thinking about how search engines parse them.

What it costs you

Google reliably treats a hyphen as a word boundary when parsing a URL, but does not reliably extend that same treatment to underscores, sometimes reading an underscore-joined phrase as a single fused word instead of separate keywords. That weakens how well the URL's own text matches against the keywords a searcher actually typed, a small but entirely avoidable dent in on-page relevance signals.
How it works

How we resolve it

01

Diagnose

We audit your current setup and identify the root cause.

02

Fix

We implement targeted corrections using proven methods.

03

Verify

We confirm the issue is resolved and monitor for recurrence.

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Excellent on Google ★★★★★ 5.0 out of 5 · 14 reviews
★★★★★

Andre and Arising Media are incredible at what they do and they have more than doubled our business. They go above and beyond to make sure that we succeed.

Brian Sirois
★★★★★

Absolutely loved working with the Arising Media team. They are extremely helpful in explaining any process and answering questions thoughtfully. This is an awesome team that provides quality and expertise.

Venus Vega
★★★★★

We have been working with Arising and Andre for years and their attentiveness to us is unmatched. Insightful direction on strategy and execution is perfect and has helped our business grow!!

Lana Camera
★★★★★

Andre and his team at Arising Media are the most professional team I have come across in terms of Google Search with SEO and SEM. They are extremely knowledgeable and know how to execute a successful plan that converts to leads and revenue growth.

Jamie Taylor
★★★★★

Could not be happier with Andre and his team's experience, professionalism, and support. They are so detail oriented. I could not be more grateful for all the time they took to get to know my brand so they could envision what I could not for myself.

Lily Ignatowski
★★★★★

I've worked with Andre on and off for almost four years. He's kind, courteous, and professional. His work is always top quality and he's always available to answer any questions I might have.

Charlie Serabian
★★★★★

I am very happy with my webpage. Andre & his crew are very technologically up to date, creative & talented. He goes above & beyond the call of duty. Good quality workmanship, great value, very professional & responsive.

Anne Lahr
★★★★★

Arising media is the best company to quickly develop a website or design a menu board.

Altin Muhaxheri
★★★★★

Very responsive throughout entire process. Good experience.

Sean R
★★★★★

Not only were they able to give me new digital boards for in-store but did a complete new website for me which is very easy to navigate. Very professional and hands on.

erolind simnica
★★★★★

Andre and his team are amazing and keep the calls coming in. Keep up the good work.

Chuck Haug
★★★★★

Best digital signage I've ever had! Awesome customer service! I love my website!

Marissa M
★★★★★

High recommend Arising Media to anyone looking for digital solutions.

Jamie Taylor
★★★★★

Andre and Arising Media are incredible at what they do and they have more than doubled our business. They go above and beyond to make sure that we succeed.

Brian Sirois
★★★★★

Absolutely loved working with the Arising Media team. They are extremely helpful in explaining any process and answering questions thoughtfully. This is an awesome team that provides quality and expertise.

Venus Vega
★★★★★

We have been working with Arising and Andre for years and their attentiveness to us is unmatched. Insightful direction on strategy and execution is perfect and has helped our business grow!!

Lana Camera
★★★★★

Andre and his team at Arising Media are the most professional team I have come across in terms of Google Search with SEO and SEM. They are extremely knowledgeable and know how to execute a successful plan that converts to leads and revenue growth.

Jamie Taylor
★★★★★

Could not be happier with Andre and his team's experience, professionalism, and support. They are so detail oriented. I could not be more grateful for all the time they took to get to know my brand so they could envision what I could not for myself.

Lily Ignatowski
★★★★★

I've worked with Andre on and off for almost four years. He's kind, courteous, and professional. His work is always top quality and he's always available to answer any questions I might have.

Charlie Serabian
★★★★★

I am very happy with my webpage. Andre & his crew are very technologically up to date, creative & talented. He goes above & beyond the call of duty. Good quality workmanship, great value, very professional & responsive.

Anne Lahr
★★★★★

Arising media is the best company to quickly develop a website or design a menu board.

Altin Muhaxheri
★★★★★

Very responsive throughout entire process. Good experience.

Sean R
★★★★★

Not only were they able to give me new digital boards for in-store but did a complete new website for me which is very easy to navigate. Very professional and hands on.

erolind simnica
★★★★★

Andre and his team are amazing and keep the calls coming in. Keep up the good work.

Chuck Haug
★★★★★

Best digital signage I've ever had! Awesome customer service! I love my website!

Marissa M
★★★★★

High recommend Arising Media to anyone looking for digital solutions.

Jamie Taylor

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