Analytics Profile for '.co.uk' extension

[NiallSmith]

What's up Mozzers,

I am currently doing some work for a local business in the UK and they've asked me to set-up Google Analytics and Webmaster Tools profiles for them.

The site is currently accessible at the following domain extension, 'mydomain.com' and 'mydomain.co.uk'.

What is the best way to set this up in Google Analytics and Google Webmaster Tools so I get the most accurate measurement of traffic coming to my website?

[intSchools]

Google Analytics - You will need to set the tracking code to "Multiple top-level domains". This can be done by going to Admin >> Tracking Code >> Multiple top-level domains.

Google Webmaster Tools - I am not too sure that you can combine two separate top-level domains. I may be wrong though?

[NiallSmith]

So do you think it might be more advantageous for me to implement a permanent 301 so that the 'yourdomain.co.uk' gets pushed to 'yourdomain.com'.

Likewise, would doing that hurt me on local search rankings for the UK?

[intSchools]

If the content will be duplicated then yes, you should 301 redirect to the preferred domain.

It really does depend on which domain you think best for the client. If they are a local, UK only company then it may be worth while using the .co.uk version as this will aid local searches and helps brand them as a UK company. However, .com is considered to have more 'power' - although this is becoming less important in ranking factors.

Which version currently ranks on Google when you perform a branded search? .co.uk or .com? And which version has the most backlinks? This will help in your decision.

[NiallSmith]

Dan, thankfully, we're at a good point, since the owner only recently went live and since then, hasn't really invested too much time in the creation of content just yet.

After hearing what you said though, I'm thinking more and more that it would work to the business' greatest advantage to use the '.co.uk' extension.

Like I said, I don't think he has any ambitions to expand into a national/international enterprise.

All things considered, I think I'm going to direct 'mydomain.com' to 'mydomain.co.uk'. Do you think that would be a wise suggestion?

[NiallSmith]

Dan, thankfully, we're at a good point, since the owner only recently went live and since then, hasn't really invested too much time in the creation of content just yet.

After hearing what you said though, I'm thinking more and more that it would work to the business' greatest advantage to use the '.co.uk' extension.

Like I said, I don't think he has any ambitions to expand into a national/international enterprise.

All things considered, I think I'm going to direct 'mydomain.com' to 'mydomain.co.uk'. Do you think that would be a wise suggestion?

[intSchools]

Completely. Its a great investment to own the .com version as well - you never know if the client wants to expand in the future. It also insures you against people buying (and using) the .com version.

Hope this has helped you.