With or without WWW – which website address is better for SEO in WordPress?
Dave Abargel,
Our customers often ask us about the difference between using or not using WWW address domains.
They’re interested in knowing which is better for their websites concerning promotional purposes in search engines and what are the thumbnail rules.
Our answer will help you understand the differences between website addresses with WWW and website addresses without WWW.
We also help clarify which one is better for your SEO WordPress website.
We also help clarify which one is better for your SEO WordPress website.
Before we get started : For the average user or a small business owner there is no difference between the two types of addresses.
It’s really all about personal preference.
It’s true that there is a technical difference between them, which we explain about it in the article.
But for most people, there is no significant difference.
WWW VS Non WWW domains
From the SEO perspective there are no advantages when we look at these two choices. Even Google says that it’s all about personal preference.
However, it’s very important to be consistent with the way you choice when you upload your website.
In other words, don’t change your website address to add or remove the – WWW.
You can let Google know your preferences and they will honor it.
How to let Google know about your personal preference
First option: Login to your – Google Webmaster Tools account and click on your website.
If you didn’t add your website on Google Webmaster tools, its time to do that now.
Then you click on the Settings Icon and choose – Site Settings.
In the Site Settings, choose your preferred Domain.
You also have an alternative
If you use – WordPress SEO by yoast plugin , it will automatically define canonical URL in your website header which lets Google know your personal preference.
That’s all you have to do.
Just in case you were wondering – yes we use WWW at uPress. That is our personal preference.
It doesn’t mean it’s the right or most recommended way, it’s all about personal preference.
Technical differences between an address with WWW and an address without WWW.
When you add WWW to your website domain address, it works as a Hostname. It might help with DNS to limit Cookies when using Sub-Domains and more.
In a website address without WWW you get “Naked” Domains which do no have any technical advantages.
Hope we managed to explain the differences between websites with WWW and without WWW in their domain address. And as always, please contact us if you have any questions.
Dave Abargel
VP and founder of uPress, developer of Backend & Frontend, specializes in improving performance for WordPress websites, handling advanced security issues, and marketing on social networks. He is an active partner in a number of interesting projects in the field, such as WiPi, Enable, Greenicon, Speedom, and more.
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