Here is the solution to remove /pages and create a custom URL structure.
Topic summary
Store owners are frustrated by Shopify’s mandatory URL structure that includes /pages, /collections, and /products in URLs. Users want cleaner URLs (e.g., site.com/about-us instead of site.com/pages/about-us) for SEO benefits and professional appearance.
Key SEO concerns:
- Forced URL paths make pages appear as subcategories to Google, reducing ranking potential
- Competitors on other platforms with cleaner URLs rank higher
- URL structure affects keyword relevance and click-through rates
- Makes site migrations from other platforms extremely difficult
Shopify’s response:
- Feature request logged but no timeline provided (repeatedly stated over 3+ years)
- Staff claim feedback is being collected and forwarded to developers
- No concrete updates or commitment to implementation
- Redirects can mask URLs when sharing but don’t change actual structure
Community reaction:
- Thread spans 5+ years (2018-2023+) with 43k+ views and 170+ replies
- Multiple users threatening to switch platforms (BigCommerce, WordPress, Magento)
- Growing frustration over lack of transparency and progress
- Some note Shopify’s own website doesn’t use
/pagesstructure - Users feel dismissed and question platform’s commitment to professional SEO needs
Status: Unresolved. No workaround exists to actually remove these URL segments, only redirects to mask them.