Root Domain v Subdomain

[bjs2010]

Hi,

Just doing some analysis on a domain, and the (external) linking root domains show as:
21 to Root Domain
4 to Subdomain

The site is hosted under the www. subdomain version and there is no 301 from domain to www.domain

Should the site be:

1. Hosted on the root domain instead of subdomain
2. 301 all incoming requests on domain to point to www.domain (subdomain)

Any comments and experience on this type of situation appreciated!

[JustinTaylor88]

Hi

It depends on your preferred domain going forward, in truth 25 linking route domains isn't enough to be concerned about (unless they are from very high authority sites), so I would chose the variant which works best for you and 301 to that version.

Going forward you should build new links which point the chosen variant (www or non-www).

Justin

[GPainter]

Agree with Justin, There is no right or wrong (www. vs none) pick one which suits you and go from there.

You can learn setting preferred domain on webmasters here - https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/44231

301 redirects depend on your CMS but don't forge to redirect to each relevant page.

Best of luck BJS.

(in short)

1) Hosted on the root domain instead of subdomain

This is your preference

2) 301 all incoming requests on domain to point to www.domain (subdomain)

Yes 301 so you're only using one site not both (e.g use www. or htttp:// but not both) but it doesn't have to be the www.