Overall, a URL’s length does not affect its accessibility so long as it is readable and relates to the page that it is linking to. But we recommend following these best practices when creating URLs:
URL Readability
Whenever creating or editing a page URL, prioritize its readability. Having the page title as the URL could be applied as the standard practice. You should avoid any instances where the URL is a string of characters, symbols, or numbers. Readable page titles and URLs benefit the related page's searchability and accessibility.
When using readable URL titles, it is important not to sacrifice readability for brevity. Even if it seems like the page title might be a bit too long for an URL, it is best practice to make sure that the URL is as readable as the title.
Shortened URLs
Short URLs, such as the ones created using the tool bit.ly, could be used when sharing on certain platforms. These URLs can be used on spaces where there is a character limit (e.g., social media posts), allowing you to maximize how much contextual information you can provide alongside it. The use of these shortened URLs is tied to the context where they are being used and should not be considered a replacement or standard practice when creating or editing page URLs.
URLs in Body Content
One of the most important, accessible-friendly practices when using URLs is to not include them within the body content. Instead, link relevant text to the URL or use call-to-actions (CTA) such as buttons clearly indicating where or what clicking on the link will lead the user. Avoid using text such as “Learn More” or “Click Here” as the CTA text.
To learn more about web accessibility get in touch with our team of experts or view these articles: