Preferred Domain Version

When it comes to SEO, domain names can get complicated. Typically, there are multiple versions of a domain that can be used and as an SEO, we have to choose just one that we are going to use permanently.
URL Anatomy
It’s important to understand the basic parts of a URL before we get started.

Different Versions of Domains
There are usually two versions of a domain name to choose from. You can either have a www subdomain or no subdomain.

Example: https://www.domain.com and https://domain.com

If the site has an SSL certificate installed, then there can be up to four versions of a domain name. This will include the two listed above, plus the two additional listed below:

Example: https://www.domain.com and https://domain.com

Table of Possible Domain Versions

Protocol
With Subdomain
Without Subdomain

HTTP
https://www.domain.com

HTTP

https://domain.com

HTTPS
https://www.domain.com

HTTPS

https://domain.com

Setting The Preferred Version
Once you have decided which version you are going to stick with, the preferred version should be the same in all the tools listed below.

Item
Where to Access

WordPress Admin*
General Settings

Google Analytics
Property Settings

Google Search Console
Site Settings

Redirects
.htaccess file, cPanel, plugins, etc.

*If the site is not WordPress, the CMS you are using should have some area where you can choose the preferred domain.
WordPress Admin
You can log into WordPress and click on Settings > General. Here you . . .

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