Fragment URLs use # anchors to link to specific page sections. Google can index fragments separately for passage ranking. Structure content with clear sections and descriptive IDs for fragment targeting.
Why Fragment URLs Matter in SEO
From an SEO perspective, fragment URLs play an interesting role. While the fragment itself is not usually sent to the server and does not represent a unique page, it still affects user experience. By helping users reach a targeted section quickly, it can lower bounce rates and improve engagement.
However, relying too heavily on fragment URLs for indexing is risky. Search engines generally treat fragment identifiers as navigational cues, not unique pages. This means content split by fragments may not gain separate SEO value. Optimizing content structure, headings, and accessibility around fragments is therefore essential for better visibility.
Fragment URLs in Different CMS Platforms
WordPress
WordPress often uses fragment URLs for table of contents plugins, enabling users to jump directly to headings within a blog post.
Shopify
In Shopify, fragment identifiers are sometimes used in product descriptions, reviews, or FAQ sections to improve navigation within long pages.
Wix
Wix allows custom anchors that create fragment URLs, helping users quickly access different sections of a landing page.
Webflow
Webflow integrates fragment identifiers into one-page designs, allowing smooth scrolling between sections without reloading the page.
Custom CMS
In custom-built systems, fragment URLs are often used in dashboards or long documentation pages to improve usability.
How Different Industries Use Fragment URLs
E-commerce
Online stores use fragments to guide shoppers directly to reviews, shipping policies, or sizing guides on long product pages.
Blogs and Media
Content publishers apply fragment URLs in articles with a table of contents, letting readers skip directly to a desired section.
SaaS
Software companies use fragments in knowledge bases and help docs so users can instantly find solutions without scanning entire pages.
Local Businesses
Local business websites with service detail pages sometimes use fragment URLs to direct visitors to pricing or FAQs quickly.
Best Practices for Fragment URLs
To use fragment URLs effectively, ensure that each section has a clear and descriptive heading. Combine them with proper anchor text so both users and search engines understand the context. Avoid creating fragments that duplicate content or mislead visitors, as this can confuse users and reduce trust.
Common Mistakes with Fragment URLs
One common mistake is assuming fragments create separate indexable pages. They do not, which can lead to duplicate content issues if not managed carefully. Another mistake is overusing fragments without structuring the content, making navigation messy and frustrating for visitors. Poor accessibility design is also a frequent error, leaving some users unable to benefit from fragment navigation.
FAQs
What is a fragment URL (#)?
A fragment URL uses a hash (#) followed by an identifier to point users to a specific section of a webpage (e.g. example.com/page#section).
Does Google index fragment URLs as separate pages?
No. Google ignores everything after the # when crawling and indexing; it treats all fragment variations as the same base URL.
Can fragment URLs be used in canonical tags?
You should not include fragments in canonical tags Google generally doesn’t support fragment URLs in canonicals, and those fragment parts are ignored.
What are fragment URLs used for?
They’re used for in-page navigation (jumping to sections), anchoring, tabs, or keeping the user on the same page while moving to different content segments.
What SEO issues arise from relying on fragment URLs for content?
If important content is only delivered via fragment URLs (client-side or via JavaScript), it may be invisible to search engines; it won’t pass link signals, can hurt indexation, and lead to lost traffic.
