How to simplify or shorten URL displayed in browser?

[manuel1972]

Hi All,

I was wondering if there is a possibility to shorten or simplify the displayed in browser window when a page is active.
Something like below:

http://www.freetech-equipment.com/testshop/accessories-ipod/8-housse-portefeuille-en-cuir-belkin-pour-ipod-nano-noir-chocolat.html

I guess it is not very good for SEO and confusing for visitors.

I already have the friendly url activated and added the htaccess in the root folder.

Thanks in advance,
Manuel

[phrasespot]

Give an example please. What would you like that example URL to look like?

[manuel1972]

Sorry if my question was not clear.
What I don't like in the url is that in my shop it also displays the product id (number), instead of only the product name.
If I am right this might be a problem for search engines. Or am I seeing this completely wrong?

[phrasespot]

It was not unclear, just using a friendly URL like "housse portefeuille en cuir belkin pour ipod nano noir chocolat" then asking about the length threw me off. You could give a URL a shorter name, that along with the moving to real server from test bed would turn the address from

http://www.freetech-equipment.com/testshop/accessories-ipod/8-housse-portefeuille-en-cuir-belkin-pour-ipod-nano-noir-chocolat.html

reducing it almost by half

http://www.freetech-equipment.com/accessories-ipod/8-portefeuille-pour-ipod.html

However, all of this mute. Google is clever enough to ignore that starting 8, the current URL is more descriptive and, no disrespect, most visitors would not notice if the address bar bit them in the a... let alone the length of the URL. And if the URL was a measure of visitor enjoyment, this site would have no visitors

[manuel1972]

I guess you are totally right!
As long as the products in the site are attractive and the site looks good.

By the way, talking about the '8'; (maybe I should open another topic for this but maybe the answer and solution are simple)

In the search bar: when typing i.e. 'apple i', it outocompletes to the search possibilities i.e. 'apple ipod 8gb'.
When pushing the search button, the name dissapears in the window and the product number i.e. '8' appears. The search result is ok and showing the ipod.

Is there a way to have the '8' not displayed in the search bar?

[phrasespot]

In the search bar: when typing i.e. 'apple i', it outocompletes to the search possibilities i.e. 'apple ipod 8gb'.
When pushing the search button, the name dissapears in the window and the product number i.e. '8' appears. The search result is ok and showing the ipod.

Is there a way to have the '8' not displayed in the search bar?

I cannot replicate this with the demo. 8 (or any other number) does not appear at all , during auto complete or when search button is clicked.

[manuel1972]

That is because I don't have the standard PS theme, but an aftermarket one.
Please check it at:
http://www.freetech-equipment.com

Maybe you can indicate which files to swap from original theme to my theme?

[phrasespot]

I am afraid I cannot reproduce this at your site either (see attached during auto complete and after button click captures).

OT: That is a cheap ipod you have there

[manuel1972]

When I test the search bar and enter i.e. ''apple'', I get a selection list same as your printscreen, but then after pushing the search knob, ''apple idpod etc'' disappears and is replaced by i.e. ''8'' (as for article id).
Other than that digit showing, the search option works fine.