When it comes to optimizing websites for search engine visibility, there is often a lot of debate over the use of www versus non-www in the URL. While it might seem like a minor issue, the decision to use one or the other can have a significant impact on Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
In this article, let’s discuss the differences between WWW and non-WWW and which one is recommended for better SEO.
What Is a WWW Domain?
A WWW domain is a domain name that is preceded by the prefix “WWW”. It is one of the most commonly used domain name formats, and is used to identify a website on the World Wide Web. The WWW domain is typically used to denote a website that is publicly accessible, meaning that it can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection.
What Is a Non-WWW Domain?
A non-WWW domain, on the other hand, is a domain name that does not include the “WWW” prefix. Instead, it consists of only the domain name itself. This type of domain name is used for websites that are not publicly accessible and are instead intended for private use only. For instance, a company’s internal website may use a non-WWW domain name, as it is not intended for public access.
How Does Google Treat WWW and Non-WWW Domains?
Google has evolved to recognize and treat both versions of a domain as one entity. That means that the search engine will index and rank both versions of a domain, regardless of whether it is a WWW or non-WWW domain.
When it comes to the way Google treats WWW and non-WWW domains, there are a few important points to consider.
First, it is important to note that having both versions of a domain is necessary for optimal search engine optimization (SEO). Google will treat both versions of the domain as one entity, so it is important to have both versions in order to maximize the visibility of the website and rank higher in search engine results.
Second, it is important to have a consistent URL format throughout the website. Google will recognize and treat both versions of a domain, but having a consistent format helps ensure that users and search engines can easily access and understand the content on the website.
Third, it is important to have a 301 redirect in place to ensure that all traffic is directed to the preferred version of the domain. This helps to ensure that users who enter either version of the domain will be redirected to the preferred version and that search engines will index the preferred version of the domain.
Finally, it is important to note that Google will not penalize a website for having both WWW and non-WWW versions. As long as the website is properly optimized, both versions of the domain will be indexed and ranked by Google.
Which Is Better for SEO: WWW or Non-WWW?
When it comes to SEO, there is often debate over which is better for SEO: WWW or Non-WWW? The answer is not as black and white as one might think; the best choice for SEO depends on your website’s specific needs.
Ultimately, the most important factor is to ensure that you are consistent with whichever version you choose. This will help to avoid any potential duplicate content issues and will also help to ensure that your website is properly indexed by search engines.
If you want to learn more about improving your website SEO, let our team at Rectify Online Marketing help you. We offer SEO services in Cape Coral and nearby areas to help businesses stand out online and get noticed on Google.