URL length... is >115 now >255?

[Switch_Digital]

I've been having detailed discussions with a CMS provider on behalf of a client.

Long URLs are the least of their problems however, the developer is arguing that Google has amended their algorithm and will now read URLs that are up to 255 characters long. I have stated that as far as I am aware, Google will still not read URLs over 115 characters... Before I stamp my feet, can someone confirm what is actually happening?

SEOmoz still classes URLs >115 characters long as an amber issue.

Thanks

[jim_cetin]

hi

You are correct with 115,less is better though.

The CMS provider surely can't be Drupal.

Might be worth exploring if you have to discuss the web basics with them!

Regards,

Jim Cetin

[Switch_Digital]

Ha, no it isn't Drupal.

It is a proprietary CMS that is a bolt on to a stock management system... oh joy.

[OptimizeSmart]

Google can index URLs up to 2047 characters in length. You will receive a 414 error if you exceed 2047 character limit.

http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!category-topic/webmasters/crawling-indexing--ranking/h0aeO2_kpac

[jim_cetin]

Although the specification of the HTTP protocol does not specify any maximum length, practical limits are imposed by web browser and server software.

Extremely long URLs are usually a mistake. URLs over 2,000 characters will not work in the most popular web browser. Don't use them if you intend your site to work for the majority of Internet users.

If you must have long URI's ask your CMS provider if there's a way they can set clean url's instead of the long versions.