Ferndesk
Search and AI optimization

Configure article SEO settings

This guide shows you how to add SEO metadata to your help center articles. You can customize your article's URL, description, and keywords to help search engines find and display your content.

This article covers SEO settings for individual articles. For site-wide SEO settings, see How to customize your help center.

  1. Open an article in your help center editor

  2. In the article editor, look at the top-right corner

  3. Click the sidebar icon next to the Publish button

Article editor interface showing the settings icon in the top-right corner between Last saved and Publish button

The Settings panel opens on the right side of your screen.

SEO Settings panel showing Base slug, Meta description, and Keywords fields

Can't find the icon? It's in the header between "Last saved" and the Publish button. If you don't see it, you might be viewing an external article.

Add your SEO information

Fill in any or all of these three fields:

Base slug

This creates your article's web address. By default, Ferndesk generates the slug from your title automatically (lowercase, spaces become hyphens).

Example: "How to Reset Your Password" becomes /articles/how-to-reset-your-password-abc123

We append a short string to the end of your base slug.

This short ID at the end ensures URLs stay unique. Old URLs will also automatically redirect if you change the slug. For custom redirects beyond slug changes, see Manage help center redirects.

To customize it, toggle on "Custom slug" and enter your own. Your custom slug must follow these rules:

  • At least 2 characters long

  • Only lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens

  • Hyphens must be single (no consecutive hyphens)

  • No leading or trailing hyphens

Base slug field showing the Use custom slug toggle switch

Example: reset-password becomes /articles/reset-password-abc123

When you save an article, Ferndesk validates your custom slug. If it does not meet the requirements above, saving fails with an Invalid slug error.

Meta description

Write a short summary that appears in search results. Tell readers what they'll learn.

Keep it under 155 characters so it displays fully in search results.

Good example: "Learn how to reset your password in under 2 minutes using email verification or security questions."

Keywords

Add keywords separated by commas that match your article topic. These improve search performance.

Keywords textarea field showing comma-separated format

Example: password reset, login help, account recovery

Save your work

  1. Click Save changes at the bottom of the Settings panel

  2. Wait for the "Settings saved" message

  3. The panel closes automatically

Save Changes button at the bottom of the SEO Settings panel

To cancel, click Cancel or the close icon.

Remember to publish your article for the SEO changes to go live. Click Publish changes in the editor header.

Tips for better SEO

  • Make slugs descriptive: Use words people actually search for

  • Keep descriptions short: Aim for 120-155 characters

  • Write unique descriptions: Each article needs its own

  • Use natural keywords: Pick words that match your content

  • Update regularly: Refresh your SEO as your content changes

For more SEO tips, see SEO & GEO optimization for your help center.

Common issues

I don't see the Settings icon

Check these:

  • Article type: External articles show "Edit in [platform]" instead. Configure SEO in that platform.

  • View mode: Make sure you're editing, not viewing the published article.

My changes didn't save

Try these steps:

  • Check your internet connection and save again

  • Refresh the editor and re-enter your changes, then click Save changes again

  • Make sure you clicked Save changes in the Settings panel, not just Publish changes

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