If you've set up a Blogger blog and want to ensure that visitors always access your site with the "www" prefix (e.g., www.yourblog.com), you'll need to set up a redirection. This is not only for consistency but also for SEO purposes. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of redirecting non-www to www in Blogger, and we'll answer some frequently asked questions along the way.
Why Redirect Non-WWW to WWW?
Redirecting non-www to www is a common practice for several reasons:
- Consistency: It ensures that your website URL remains consistent and professional, which can enhance user trust.
- SEO Benefits: Search engines may treat "www" and non-"www" versions of your site as separate entities, potentially diluting your SEO efforts. Redirecting helps consolidate your site's authority.
- Preventing Duplicate Content: Redirection can prevent search engines from indexing both versions of your site, reducing the risk of duplicate content issues.
How to Redirect Non-WWW to WWW in Blogger:
Follow these steps to set up the redirection:
1. Log in to Your Blogger Account
Go to Blogger and log in to your Blogger account.
2. Access the Blog Settings
- From the Blogger dashboard, click on the blog you want to work on.
- On the left-hand side, select "Settings."
3. Configure the Blog Address
Under the "Settings" section, you'll see "Basic." Click on it.
4. Edit the Blog Address
In the "Publishing" section, you'll find the "Blog Address" settings. Here, you can see your current blog address.
- Click on the "Edit" link next to your blog address.
5. Enable Redirection
In the "Blog Address" settings, you'll see an option that says "Redirect domain." This is where you can set up the redirection.
- Check the box that says "Redirect domain."
- A pop-up window will appear, prompting you to save your changes. Click "Save."
6. Save the Changes
Back in the "Basic" settings, scroll down to the bottom and click the "Save changes" button.
7. Confirm the Redirection
After saving the changes, Blogger will automatically redirect non-www URLs to their www counterparts.
8. Test the Redirection
To ensure the redirection is working correctly, open a new browser window and type your blog's non-www URL (e.g., yourblog.com). It should automatically redirect to the www version (www.yourblog.com).
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does it take for the redirection to take effect?
The redirection should take effect almost immediately after you save the changes in Blogger. However, it may take a short time for the changes to propagate across all servers and devices.
Q2: Will my existing backlinks be affected by this redirection?
No, your existing backlinks should not be affected by the redirection. They will still point to your site, whether with or without the "www" prefix.
Q3: Can I reverse the redirection later if needed?
Yes, you can reverse the redirection by unchecking the "Redirect domain" option in the Blogger settings.
Q4: Do I need a custom domain for this redirection to work?
Yes, you'll need to have a custom domain (e.g., www.yourblog.com) for this redirection method to apply.
Q5: Will this affect my blog's ranking in search engines?
Properly implemented redirection should not negatively impact your SEO. In fact, it can help consolidate your site's authority.
By following these steps, you can easily redirect non-www to www in Blogger. This simple adjustment can improve the consistency and SEO performance of your blog, making it a worthwhile practice for any Blogger user.