If you have ever created a blog or a webpage, you may have wondered how you should write your URL.
For example, which one is better?
yourwebsite.com/seo-tips
or
yourwebsite.com/seo_tips
At first glance, they may look almost the same. Many people think it doesn’t matter because both URLs work. But when it comes to SEO, there is a better choice.
In this blog, we’ll explain everything in simple words so you can easily understand whether hyphens or underscores matter and which one you should use on your website.
What Are Hyphens and Underscores?
Let’s understand the difference first.
A hyphen (-) is the small line between two words.
Example:
yourwebsite.com/seo-checklist
An underscore (_) is the line at the bottom.
Example:
yourwebsite.com/seo_checklist
Both can separate words in a URL, but they are not treated the same way by search engines.
Do They Really Matter for SEO?
Yes, they do.
Google recommends using hyphens (-) instead of underscores (_) in URLs.
The reason is simple.
Google understands hyphens as spaces between words.
For example:
seo-checklist
Google reads it as:
SEO Checklist
This makes it easier for Google to understand what your page is about.
On the other hand,
seo_checklist
may not be understood as clearly because the underscore joins the words together.
This is why hyphens are considered the better option for SEO.
Why Does Google Prefer Hyphens?
Search engines try to understand every page on your website.
A URL is one of the signals they use.
When you use hyphens, each word is clearly separated.
For example:
yourwebsite.com/email-marketing-tips
Google can easily recognize the words:
- Marketing
- Tips
This helps search engines understand your content more easily.
Are Underscores Bad?
No.
Using underscores will not stop your page from appearing on Google.
Your content can still be indexed and ranked.
However, if you are creating a new website or publishing a new blog, there is no reason to choose underscores when Google recommends hyphens.
Using hyphens is simply the better and safer option.
Which URL Looks Better?
Let’s compare two URLs.
Using Hyphens
yourwebsite.com/content-writing-guide
Using Underscores
yourwebsite.com/content_writing_guide
Most people find the first URL easier to read.
It looks cleaner and more professional.
Visitors can quickly understand what the page is about.
This also makes your URLs easier to share on social media, emails, and messages.
Should You Change Old URLs?
If your website already has many URLs with underscores, don’t rush to change all of them.
Changing URLs without proper redirects can create broken links and may affect your website traffic.
If the pages are already performing well, it’s usually better to leave them as they are.
However, for all new pages and blog posts, start using hyphens.
This keeps your website consistent and follows Google’s best practices.
Examples of Good URLs
Here are some SEO-friendly examples:
- yourwebsite.com/seo-checklist
- yourwebsite.com/home-workout
- yourwebsite.com/healthy-breakfast
- yourwebsite.com/weight-loss-tips
- yourwebsite.com/digital-marketing-guide
These URLs are simple, easy to read, and easy to understand.
Examples You Should Avoid
Try not to create URLs like these:
- yourwebsite.com/seo_checklist
- yourwebsite.com/blog_post_final
- yourwebsite.com/new_article_2026
- yourwebsite.com/content_writing_tips
They may still work, but they are not the recommended format.
Other URL Tips to Remember
Using hyphens is only one part of creating a good URL.
You should also:
- Keep the URL short.
- Include your main keyword naturally.
- Remove unnecessary words.
- Use lowercase letters.
- Avoid random numbers and special characters.
- Make the URL describe the page clearly.
Following these simple habits will make your URLs cleaner and more SEO-friendly.
Common Questions
Will using hyphens improve my rankings overnight?
No.
Simply changing underscores to hyphens will not suddenly move your website to the top of Google.
Good rankings depend on many factors like helpful content, website speed, backlinks, and user experience.
Hyphens are just one small SEO best practice.
Can I still rank with underscores?
Yes.
A page with underscores can still rank well if the content is useful and the website is well optimized.
However, if you are starting a new website or writing a new blog, it’s smarter to use hyphens from the beginning.
Should I use spaces instead of hyphens?
No.
URLs cannot contain normal spaces.
Hyphens are the correct way to separate words in a URL.
Final Thoughts
So, do hyphens or underscores matter in URLs for SEO?
Yes, they do—but not because underscores are harmful.
Google recommends using hyphens because they separate words clearly, making URLs easier for search engines and people to read.
If your website already has URLs with underscores and they are working well, you don’t need to panic or change everything.
But whenever you create a new page or blog post, make it a habit to use hyphens instead of underscores.
It’s a simple change that keeps your URLs clean, professional, and in line with SEO best practices.
Sometimes, small improvements like this help build a stronger and more organized website over time.
