Question/Concern about URL structure

[RvG]

Hey!

I have some doubts concerning structuring a websites URL’s and what would be the best practise for this case. The site has 4 (main) categories with a maximum of 4 products in each category.

For example: domain -> category (natural-stones) -> product (flooring)

Which I would give the follow url: www.companysite.com//natural-stones/flooring

Nothing odd so far, but here is the tricky part: the category isn’t an actual page a user wouldn’t be able to visit. The category is just an item in the mainmenu. If a user hovers over the category in the main menu they will get a dropdown in which they can select a product. E.g. flooring, wall strips etc.

My question is: Is the url structure as I suggested: www.companysite.com//natural-stones/flooring the best practise. Even though the category isn’t an actually page.

Or would it be better to structure the site: www.companysite.com/flooring My concern with this type of structure would be that the site would seem ‘flat’ with in-depth structure.

Or would a third (and maybe best?) option be to create an actual page for the category itself.

Thanks for taking the time to help me with my question/concern. If you need more  information let me know.

[TommyTan]

Hi,

I agree that the second option of removing the category makes your website looks "flat."

I would go with the third option by creating an actualy page for the category.  If anyone clicks on the category of simply visit the category URL, you can promote or display all your Natural Stones products.  Furthermore, you have more page for bots to crawl on keywords that you might want to rank for.

[Vizergy]

Completely agree.  Thumbs up.

[RvG]

Thanks for the help guys!