fetchSERP API
Get API Key
SERP API Made Simple

Mastering How to Get the Actual URL from Google Search

Your comprehensive guide to extracting precise URLs from Google search results effectively.

Get API Key
View Documentation
SERP API Example 

const response = await fetch(
  'https://www.fetchserp.com/api/v1/search?' + 
  new URLSearchParams({
    search_engine: 'google',
    country: 'us',
    pages_number: '1',
    query: 'tesla'
  }), {
    method: 'GET',
    headers: {
      'accept': 'application/json',
      'authorization': 'Bearer TOKEN'
    }
});

const data = await response.json();
console.dir(data, { depth: null });
Connected 200 OK
SERP Results

Understanding how to get the actual URL from Google search is essential for SEO professionals, digital marketers, and anyone interested in accurate search data. When you perform a search on Google, the URLs displayed may sometimes be redirected or formatted differently, making it challenging to identify the real destination link. This guide will walk you through methods to accurately retrieve the true URL from Google search results, ensuring your research and data collection are precise.

Whether you're conducting competitive analysis, tracking your site rankings, or verifying backlinks, knowing the actual URL behind a Google search result is highly valuable. Google often shows URLs that are shortened, redirected, or styled for display purposes, which can be confusing. Therefore, understanding the process of extracting the authentic link is crucial for maintaining data integrity and optimizing your SEO strategies.

Why Is Getting the Actual URL Important?

Getting the true URL from Google search results helps clarify exactly where a website points to, avoiding misleading data. It ensures that your analysis reflects the real destination, which is especially important when evaluating backlinks, checking site ownership, or conducting outreach. Accurate URLs also improve your understanding of how websites are presented in search results and how they are structured for SEO purposes.

Common Challenges in Retrieving True URLs

Google sometimes displays URLs that are shortened or have tracking parameters. Additionally, some URLs may be redirects or use Google’s redirect links, making it difficult to determine the actual destination without further steps. These challenges necessitate specific techniques or tools to extract the true URL accurately and efficiently.

Techniques to Obtain the Actual URL from Google Search

There are several methods to get the real URL behind a Google search result:

  • Inspect the Link: Hover over the link to see the destination URL in the status bar of your browser.
  • Use Browser Tools: Right-click the link and select "Copy link address" for an exact copy of the URL.
  • Check the Page Source: View source code (Ctrl+U or Cmd+U) and locate the search result link to see if it is a redirect.
  • Use URL Unwrapping Tools: Utilize online tools to decode redirected or masked URLs for transparency.
  • Leverage APIs and Specialized Tools: Tools like FetchSERP can automate the process and provide the genuine destination URLs.

Using FetchSERP to Get the Real URL

One of the most effective ways to obtain accurate URLs from Google search results is by leveraging dedicated tools like FetchSERP. This platform allows you to fetch Google search result data via API, giving you access to the actual URLs behind each result. This method is particularly useful for large-scale SEO analysis, where manual checking isn't feasible.

Best Practices for Accurate URL Retrieval

To ensure you’re getting the authentic URL, follow these best practices:

  • Always verify the URL by checking for redirects and tracking parameters.
  • Use specialized tools like FetchSERP for bulk and automated retrieval.
  • Be aware of URL structures and distinguish between display URLs and actual destination URLs.
  • Occasionally, perform manual checks to validate tool outputs.

Conclusion

Getting the actual URL from Google search is an essential skill for SEO and digital marketing professionals. By understanding the techniques and utilizing specialized tools like FetchSERP, you can achieve accurate results that improve your analysis, reporting, and strategy development. Remember, always verify URLs with multiple methods to ensure maximum accuracy and data integrity.

For a reliable way to fetch real URLs from Google search results, visit FetchSERP's URL Fetch Tool and simplify your SEO workflows.

Get Started with 2500 Free Credits