How can I remove '/pages/' from my URL for better SEO?

Topic summary

Request to remove fixed Shopify URL directories (e.g., /pages/, /collections/) to use root-level paths like /about-us for perceived SEO and professionalism gains.

Current capability: Multiple replies state it’s not possible; Shopify enforces these path prefixes as part of its standard routing. You can only edit the “handle” (the part of the URL you control after the fixed segment).

Future change: Concern was forwarded to Shopify developers, but experienced users doubt this will change anytime soon.

SEO perspective: An SEO practitioner notes the benefit is very small. Focus on short, keyword-relevant handles and removing stop words. Shopify’s strengths (e.g., site speed) outweigh the minor downside of fixed directories.

Branding/perception: OP feels URLs with /pages/ look less professional than root-level equivalents used by major brands.

2022 update and use cases: Users confirm it’s still not possible. A practical issue surfaced with QR codes pointing to root-level paths; suggested workaround is hosting pages on the main domain with another CMS and running Shopify on a subdomain.

Additional viewpoints: Some argue WordPress-like permalink control would aid internal architecture and overall SEO.

Status: No built-in solution or official commitment; discussion remains open.

Summarized with AI on January 21. AI used: gpt-5.

@demib Thanks for the advice, another one of my concerns is that it looks the way the current URL root structures are make the url look cheap and

unprofessional. You can go to any website of well known brand and there URL wouldn’t have the type of root structure available for shopify merchants

https://theonestoppetstore.org/about-us looks a lot more professional than https://theonestoppetstore.org/pages/about-us. I’ve spoken to someone at Shopify and my concern has

been forwarded to Shopify’s developers.

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