'Friendly' URL Structure Improves Events System SEO
Addition and subtraction leads to better information for search engines
As a result of some simple math, the new Planet Discover Events System now features improved search engine optimization (SEO) capabilities, helping drive more traffic to event listings.
Gone, or subtracted, is the unwieldy URL structure that meant little to the search engine crawlers. Instead, a new, more intuitive URL format has been implemented to improve SEO for local events included in the new Events System.
In the previous version of the Events System, URLs included character combinations that tied to the Planet Discover software. With the new Events System the characters and symbols have been minimized and replaced with specific information related to the site's name, event category or the actual name of an event, depending on how a user navigates the calendar system.
The following is a before and after comparison of the Events System URL structure:
Before
http://search.lsj.com/sp?aff=1002&eventId=112271&skin=
After
http://search.lsj.com/localevents/event/112271-The-Things-They-Carried
The friendly URL structure has also been applied to enhanced listings in the Planet Discover Local Directory product. Additional development is underway to include friendly URLs for categories and all business listings within the product.
In addition to the friendly, more intuitive URL structure, the new Events System also generates an XML sitemap for local events included in the Events System. As a result, the sitemap, including the friendly URL, is "pushed" to Google to help improve an event's placement within the Google search results.
The new Planet Discover Events System also includes the ability for clients to provide advertising opportunities for local event organizers looking for additional promotional opportunities. Paid enhanced event listings provide premium placement and the ability to add more information about an event as well as offer specific event-related coupons. In addition, event text ads are now available to promote an event on pages within the Events System.
To learn more about the SEO improvements included in the new Planet Discover Events System, or the new monetization opportunities, contact your Client Service Manager or contact info@planetdiscover.com.