How to Create a Vanity URL in AEM: A Comprehensive Guide

In the world of digital marketing and website management, creating a vanity URL can significantly enhance user experience and brand recognition. This article will guide you through the process of setting up a vanity URL in Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) or CQ, a powerful content management system. Let’s dive in and learn how to make a customized, user-friendly web address that stands out.

What is a Vanity URL?

First, it's important to understand what a vanity URL is. A vanity URL is a customized, memorable, and easy-to-remember version of a website address. It is designed to improve the user experience by providing a more recognizable and appealing URL that can be easily shared and remembered. Websites, especially those focused on e-commerce or brand marketing, benefit greatly from vanity URLs. For instance, an online shopping website can set the URL of any page to reflect the deal of the day without physically moving the page.

Creating a Vanity URL in AEM/CQ

To create a vanity URL in AEM or CQ, follow these steps:

Identify the Page: Start by selecting the web page for which you wish to create the vanity URL. Access Properties: In your authors instance of AEM, navigate to the properties of the respective page. This can usually be done by right-clicking on the page and selecting 'Properties', or by using the Properties menu in the content panel. Expand URL Option: Look for the URL configuration section. This option is typically found under various configurations or display settings. Make sure to expand it to reveal the URL-related settings. Add Vanity URL: Click on the 'Add' button under the URL option. Here, you can input your custom vanity URL. Ensure that this URL is unique and does not already exist in your system to avoid conflicts. Save Changes: After adding the vanity URL, click 'OK' or the appropriate save button to apply your changes. This will update the URL configuration for the selected page. Verify the URL: Double-click the page to open it in the edit mode. Check the URL in the address bar to confirm that the vanity URL is correctly applied. You may also want to test the URL by navigating to it directly.

Benefits of Using Vanity URLs

Using a vanity URL in your website has numerous benefits:

Enhanced User Experience: Vanity URLs are easier to read and remember, making it more likely that users will click on them. Improved Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Search engines often prefer human-friendly URLs, which can help in improving ranking and visibility. Brand Recognition: Custom URLs can strengthen brand identity by aligning closely with brand names or key phrases. Increased Conversion: Clear and descriptive URLs can help guide users directly to the content they are looking for, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversion.

Best Practices for Choosing a Vanity URL

When creating a vanity URL, consider the following best practices:

Relevance: Ensure the vanity URL reflects the content of the page. This not only helps in SEO but also enhances user comprehension. Descriptiveness: Use descriptive keywords to make the URL more meaningful and useful. Simplicity: Avoid complex, lengthy, or confusing URLs. Keep it simple and straightforward. SEO-Friendly: Opt for URLs that are search engine-friendly, using hyphens or underscores where appropriate. Brand Alignment: Align the URL with your brand or product name to strengthen brand recognition.

Conclusion

Creating a vanity URL in AEM or CQ is a straightforward process that can greatly improve the user experience and brand recognition of your website. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up a customized, user-friendly URL for any page in your content management system. Remember to leverage the benefits of vanity URLs by using relevance, descriptiveness, simplicity, SEO-friendliness, and brand alignment in your URL choices.

Keywords for SEO

Vanity URL, AEM, CQ