Preferred Domain Selection: Should You Choose WWW or Non-WWW?

When building a website, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing your preferred domain format: with “www” or without. While this may seem like a minor detail, it can have significant implications for your website’s SEO, branding, and user experience. At Sites by Sara, we’re here to guide you through the process of selecting the right domain format and ensuring that all versions of your site point to your preferred choice.

Why Preferred Domain Selection Matters

Your preferred domain is the version of your domain that you want search engines to index and users to see. Whether you opt for “www.yourdomain.com” or “yourdomain.com,” it’s crucial to select one version and stick with it. This consistency helps avoid duplicate content issues, which can negatively impact your SEO. Additionally, by redirecting all other versions to your preferred domain, you consolidate your website’s authority, leading to better search engine rankings.

WWW vs. Non-WWW: What’s the Difference?

The choice between a “www” or non-www domain essentially boils down to personal preference and technical considerations. Here’s a closer look at the differences:

WWW (World Wide Web)

• Tradition and Compatibility: The “www” prefix is the traditional format for website addresses. It’s widely recognized and expected by users. Additionally, some older technologies and CDNs (Content Delivery Networks) may work better with the “www” version.
• Server Configurations: Using “www” allows for more flexibility in server configurations, such as the ability to use CNAME records. This can be useful for load balancing and other technical needs.

Non-WWW (Root Domain)

• Simplicity: Opting for the non-www version results in a cleaner, shorter URL, which some users and brands prefer. It’s easier to type and can be more aesthetically pleasing in print or digital marketing materials.
• Modern Trend: Many modern websites, especially startups and tech companies, choose the non-www format as it aligns with the trend of minimalist branding.

Which Version is Better for SEO?

From an SEO perspective, there’s no inherent advantage to choosing “www” over non-www or vice versa. The key is consistency. Search engines like Google treat “www.yourdomain.com” and “yourdomain.com” as two separate entities. If both versions are live and not properly redirected, you risk splitting your SEO authority between them, leading to lower rankings.

To avoid this, you must select your preferred domain format and implement 301 redirects from the non-preferred version to the preferred one. This tells search engines that all traffic should be directed to the chosen version, preserving your SEO equity and improving your website’s visibility.

Implementing the Redirect: Best Practices

Redirecting other versions of your domain to your preferred domain is essential for maintaining a strong SEO profile. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Set Up 301 Redirects: A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that passes the SEO authority from one URL to another. Configure your server to redirect all traffic from the non-preferred version (e.g., “yourdomain.com”) to the preferred version (e.g., “www.yourdomain.com”). This ensures that both users and search engines are directed to the correct URL.
2. Update Google Search Console: Once you’ve chosen your preferred domain, update your settings in Google Search Console. This helps Google recognize your preference and index your site accordingly.
3. Update Internal Links: Ensure that all internal links within your website point to the preferred domain version. This prevents any internal redirects, which can slow down your site and negatively impact user experience.
4. Update Backlinks: Reach out to other websites linking to your site and request that they update their links to your preferred domain. While this isn’t always possible, it can help consolidate your site’s authority.
5. Monitor and Maintain: Regularly check your website’s redirects to ensure they’re working correctly. Use tools like Screaming Frog or Google Search Console to identify any issues that need to be addressed.

Making Your Domain Decision

Ultimately, the choice between “www” and non-www comes down to what best suits your brand and technical needs. Whether you prioritize tradition and compatibility with “www” or prefer the simplicity of a non-www domain, the most important step is to make a decision and implement the appropriate redirects.

At Sites by Sara, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of domain selection and ensure that your website is set up for success. Our team of SEO experts will guide you through the process, from choosing the right domain format to implementing the necessary technical optimizations.

Ready to optimize your website’s domain for better SEO? Contact us today at (385) 355-5351 to schedule a free consultation and let us help you make the best choice for your online presence!