Are you looking to enhance your website's performance and optimize its SEO? One simple yet effective way to do so is by changing your WordPress domain from www to non-www. This small tweak can have a significant impact on your website's loading speed, search engine rankings, and overall user experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of changing your WordPress domain and provide you with realistic examples and tips for a seamless transition.
Changing your WordPress domain from www to non-www requires a few technical steps, but the benefits are well worth the effort. Let's dive into the details:
1. Understanding the Difference:
Before we proceed, let's clarify the difference between www and non-www URLs. The www in a domain (e.g., www.example.com) is a subdomain that traditionally represents the World Wide Web. On the other hand, a non-www URL (e.g., example.com) omits the www and directly serves the main domain. While both versions work, choosing one over the other can simplify your website's structure and improve its performance.
2. Update WordPress Settings:
To change your domain, start by logging into your WordPress dashboard. Go to Settings, then General. Look for the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) fields. Replace the www URLs with the non-www version of your domain. Don't forget to save the changes!
3. Update Permalinks:
Modifying your domain requires updating your permalinks for proper redirection and consistency. Go to Settings, then Permalinks, and select a new permalink structure. This triggers the necessary updates in your database and ensures that your website's links function correctly.
4. Modify .htaccess File:
To redirect all www URLs to non-www URLs and maintain SEO rankings, you need to modify your website's .htaccess file. Access your website's root directory, locate the .htaccess file, and add the necessary code snippet. This redirect rule will ensure that all incoming traffic is directed to the non-www version.
5. Update Internal Links and Media:
To avoid any broken links or missing media, make sure to update all internal links throughout your website. This includes updating references to your old www URLs and ensuring that media files are linked correctly to the new domain.
Wordpress How To Change Domain From Www To Non Www Example:
Let's take a hypothetical scenario to illustrate the process. Imagine you own a small business called "Delicious Bakery," and your current website is www.deliciousbakery.com. By changing your domain to non-www, your website will become deliciousbakery.com, providing a cleaner and more concise URL. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to achieve a successful transition and enjoy the benefits of improved website performance and SEO.
Congratulations! You have successfully changed your WordPress domain from www to non-www. By making this simple adjustment, you have taken a step towards optimizing your website's performance and enhancing its user experience. Don't forget to explore other helpful guides on DamnWoo to further boost your online presence. Additionally, try one of our awesome WordPress plugins to unlock even more potential for success. Don't settle for mediocrity – embrace the extraordinary with DamnWoo!