Web Standard: A Web Area will only have one URL

Definitions:

  • URLs are Universal Resource Locators.  They are the address where web sites live.
  • Using mixed case or upper case creates issues for search engines, users typing in URLs, and analytics tracking
  • Drupal WebCMS automatically creates the URL based on the short name (defined when the web area is created).  An alternate name (called a 'URL overwrite') can be created if desired. It must be approved by OWC. Only one or the other will be used as the web area URL.

Content Requirements:

  • Each site will have one URL. 
  • There will not be multiple URLs for the same site.
  • Use all lower case letters.  (the URL will be changed automatically to lowercase if typed with any uppercase letters)
  • Use descriptive words.  You want people to find the site using search. 
  • Really need a short URL?
    • Use https://go.usa.gov/ , the official U.S. government URL shortener
    • Use the page node number
      • Example: use http://www2.epa.gov/product-review/successfully-preparing-your-website-owc-review​ instead of using http://www2.epa.gov/product-review/how-avoid-multiple-rounds-owc-review-when-creating-new-resource-directories-and

How to:

Fill out the web area request form.  Office of Web Communication will approve the actual site names.

Examples:

  • Water research can be /water-research/, /waterresearch/ or /h2oresearch/ (pick only one) 
    http://www2.epa.gov/water-research  
  • CAMEO (Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations) can be /computer-aided-management-emergency-operations/ or /cameo/  (pick only one) 
    http://www2.epa.gov/cameo

Related Information

Web Area Request Form