Short Answer
A vanity URL in Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) is a custom, human-readable URL that is easier to remember, use, and share than a standard system-generated URL. These URLs are typically used for marketing purposes or to provide a shortcut to a specific resource within AEM.
Understanding Vanity URLs in AEM
Purpose of Vanity URLs
Vanity URLs serve several purposes in AEM:
- Marketing Friendly: They can be used in marketing materials for better branding and recall.
- User Convenience: They provide a simplified way for users to access content without navigating through the full site structure.
- Redirection: They can redirect users to any page or resource within AEM without revealing the actual path.
How Vanity URLs Work in AEM
Vanity URLs in AEM are managed on a per-page basis and can be set by content authors. When a vanity URL is requested by a user, AEM processes the request and directs the user to the appropriate content. This is managed internally by AEM’s dispatcher, which handles URL rewriting and mapping.
Setting Up Vanity URLs in AEM
Step-by-Step Creation
- Open the Page Properties: Navigate to the page you wish to create a vanity URL for and open its properties.
- Enter the Vanity URL: Find the vanity URL field and enter the desired path.
- Save and Close: Save the page properties to enable the vanity URL.
- Configure Dispatcher: Ensure your AEM dispatcher is configured to handle vanity URLs, allowing them to be resolved correctly.
Dispatcher Configuration
The dispatcher must be configured to allow the vanity URL feature. This usually involves:
- Ensuring the dispatcher flushes the cache for a page when its vanity URL is updated.
- Configuring the dispatcher to recognize and resolve vanity URLs.
Best Practices for Vanity URLs in AEM
When using vanity URLs, consider the following best practices:
- Unique URLs: Ensure that each vanity URL is unique to prevent conflicts.
- Consistent Naming Convention: Use a naming convention that is consistent and reflective of your branding.
- SEO Considerations: Be mindful of search engine optimization when choosing vanity URLs.
- Regular Audits: Periodically review and manage vanity URLs to keep them current and relevant.
Conclusion
Vanity URLs in AEM are a powerful feature for content authors and marketers, providing an easy way to direct users to content. They enhance user experience, improve brand visibility, and can be a significant aspect of a content strategy. Understanding how to create and manage them effectively is essential for leveraging AEM’s full potential.
