How to Redirect Non-www Website to WWW
Introduction
Welcome to AwesomeWebsites4Free, a leading authority in eCommerce & Shopping websites! In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to redirect your non-www website to the WWW version, helping you improve your website's SEO and enhancing user experience. Follow these simple steps to ensure your website is properly configured for optimal performance.
Why Redirect Non-www to WWW
Redirecting your non-www website to the WWW version offers several benefits. Firstly, it helps establish a consistent and recognizable brand identity. Many users are accustomed to typing "www" before a website address, and redirecting non-www URLs ensures they land on your website seamlessly.
Additionally, search engines like Google consider the www and non-www versions as separate entities. By redirecting to the preferred version, you consolidate your website's authority, preventing any potential dilution of SEO efforts.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Accessing Your Website's .htaccess File
The first step in redirecting your non-www website to the WWW version involves accessing your website's .htaccess configuration file. This file is typically located in the root directory of your website.
Using a text editor or FTP client, locate and open the .htaccess file for editing. If the file doesn't exist, create a new one and save it as ".htaccess".
Step 2: Adding Redirect Rules
Once you have the .htaccess file open, it's time to add the necessary redirect rules. Insert the following lines of code at the beginning of the file:
RewriteEngine On RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} !^www\. RewriteRule ^(.*)$ http://www.%{HTTP_HOST}/$1 [R=301,L]Step 3: Saving and Testing the Redirect
After adding the redirect rules, save the .htaccess file and exit the editor. To test if the redirect is working correctly, open a new web browser tab and type your website's non-www URL. You should be automatically redirected to the WWW version of your website.
It is essential to test the redirect on multiple devices and browsers to ensure compatibility and a seamless user experience.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
While implementing the redirect, you may encounter some common issues or experience unexpected behavior. Here are a few troubleshooting steps:
Issue 1: Redirect Loop
If your redirect results in a loop, where the same page keeps reloading without ever reaching the WWW version, check your .htaccess file for any conflicting rules or misconfigurations. Remove any duplicate redirects or erroneous code that may be causing the loop.
Issue 2: Mixed Content Warnings
In some cases, after redirecting to the WWW version, you might encounter mixed content warnings. This happens when your website serves some resources, such as images or scripts, using non-www URLs. Ensure all your website's resources are loaded from the WWW version to avoid these warnings.
You can check for mixed content warnings in your browser console or by using online tools designed for this purpose.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully redirected your non-www website to the WWW version. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you have improved your eCommerce & Shopping website's SEO and enhanced user experience.
Remember to periodically test your redirect to ensure it remains functional and maintain regular website backups in case of any unforeseen issues. If you encounter further difficulties, consult with a professional web developer or our support team for assistance. Stay ahead of the competition and continue optimizing your website for better search engine rankings!
