Visitors often treat www.voorbeeld.nl and voorbeeld.nl as interchangeable, but they are different hostnames. Choose a primary version and make the other lead to it. Neither spelling guarantees higher rankings; consistent configuration helps avoid errors and duplicate versions.
Start with the existing setup
If an established primary address works well, do not switch solely for fashion. A new site can choose based on recognition and platform support. Document the decision and use one form in navigation, sharing links, signatures and public profiles.
Forward a domain: DNS is not a 301 redirect →
Make both hostnames work technically
DNS must reach the website platform, which needs HTTPS coverage for both hostnames to redirect securely. Configure an appropriate permanent redirect from the secondary version while preserving relevant paths. Adding a CNAME does not itself create the HTTP redirect.
Align links and the sitemap
Use the primary hostname in internal links and canonical tags. List final indexable pages in the sitemap rather than duplicate hostname versions. A canonical signals the preferred URL; align it with redirects and internal links. Multilingual alternate links should also point to final pages.
Set a CNAME record: an alias for your subdomain →
Test variants using a real page path
Test HTTP and HTTPS with and without www for the homepage and a real deeper page. Each should reach the appropriate single HTTPS destination without loops or unnecessary chains. Review Google’s selected canonical in Search Console, recognising that historical reports can lag behind a live change.
Your practical checklist
- Record one primary hostname.
- Check DNS and HTTPS for both forms.
- Preserve relevant paths in redirects.
- Align canonicals, internal links and sitemap.
A site uses the bare domain. An old www link to a service page should therefore reach the equivalent bare-domain service page rather than making the visitor search again from the homepage.
Common questions
Can I keep both versions without a redirect?
That can expose duplicate accessible pages. A consistent primary address is usually simpler for one website; have the platform direct the secondary form correctly.
Sources and further reading
Registration rules and provider functions can change. Check the current requirements for your domain before ordering or changing services.
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