What is a Fragment URL (#)?

A fragment URL contains a hash (#) directing users to a specific section of a page. Not always indexed as separate content.

Why Fragment URLs Matter in SEO

Fragment URLs are not just for user experience, they also have implications in SEO. Since they point to a section of an already indexed page, they do not get treated as separate URLs by Google. However, they can help search engines better understand the structure of your content, especially when combined with a clear layout and internal linking.

For users, fragment URLs reduce scrolling and make content easier to digest. This improves time on page, user engagement, and can indirectly help with SEO performance.

Fragment URLs in Different CMS Platforms

WordPress

WordPress supports fragment URLs through headings and plugins. By linking to specific sections, site owners can make long posts easier to navigate.

Shopify

Shopify allows store owners to create fragment links for product descriptions, FAQs, and policy pages. This makes it easier for customers to jump directly to details without scrolling.

Wix

In Wix, fragment URLs can be applied to page sections. When used properly, they improve site navigation and guide users to the most relevant information quickly.

Webflow

Webflow gives designers flexibility to set up custom anchors for fragment URLs, improving UX while keeping the site’s structure SEO-friendly.

Custom CMS

Custom-built systems can easily integrate fragment URLs into their navigation structure, making them valuable for knowledge bases, service pages, and landing pages.

How Different Industries Use Fragment URLs

E-commerce

Online stores use fragment URLs to link directly to reviews, product specifications, or FAQs, helping customers access what they need instantly.

Blogs and Media

Blogs with long-form content often add a table of contents linked with fragment URLs, giving readers a smooth navigation experience.

SaaS

SaaS companies use fragment URLs in documentation pages, allowing users to jump to exact instructions or troubleshooting steps.

Local Businesses

Service-based businesses benefit from fragment URLs on FAQ pages, where users can click and instantly see the answer without scrolling.

Best Practices for Fragment URLs

Fragment URLs work best when paired with strong on-page SEO. Use clear headings, maintain logical structure, and ensure each anchor adds real value. Test links regularly to avoid broken experiences. Also, avoid keyword stuffing in headings since fragments depend on them for usability and SEO relevance.

Common Mistakes with Fragment URLs

One of the most common mistakes is assuming fragment URLs create new indexable pages. Google treats them as part of the same page, not unique URLs. Another issue is overusing them in a way that clutters navigation or confuses users. Badly labeled anchors, missing IDs, and poor content structure reduce their effectiveness.

FAQs

What is a Fragment URL (#)?

A Fragment URL is a URL that ends with a hash sign # followed by a fragment identifier, which points the browser to a specific part (e.g. section) of a page.

Does the fragment get sent to the server?

No. Everything after the # is processed client-side (by the browser); the server does not receive the fragment portion.

Are fragment URLs indexed separately by Google?

Generally no. Google ignores the fragment part of the URL for indexing. The content is indexed based on the base URL (everything before the #).

When are fragment URLs useful?

They’re useful for navigation (jumping to sections within long pages), internal page linking, deep-linking in single-page applications (SPAs), or for user experience features like tabs.

What SEO issues should I watch out for with fragment URLs?

• Relying on fragments to load important content can make that content invisible to search engines.

• Using fragments in canonical tags or structured data is ignored or treated poorly.

• Because content after # isn’t treated as separate page, you can’t use 301 redirects or server-side status codes tied to fragments.