Ahrefs – www vs. not ?

When it comes to website URLs, one of the most enduring debates revolves around the use of the “www” subdomain. Should you use it, or should you opt for a non-www URL? The answer, much like many things in life, is not a simple one. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of each approach, and explore what Ahrefs, a leading SEO tool provider, has to say on the matter.

What’s the difference between www and non-www URLs?

To understand the debate, let’s first clarify the difference between www and non-www URLs. A www URL includes the “www” subdomain, such as [www.example.com](http://www.example.com), while a non-www URL does not, such as [example.com](http://example.com). Both types of URLs can be used to access the same website, but they have some key differences.

Pros of using www URLs

There are a few advantages to using www URLs:

1. Easier to remember: For many users, www is a familiar prefix that’s easy to remember and type.
2. Better branding: Using www can help to reinforce your brand identity and make your URL more recognizable.
3. Canonicalization: In the past, using www helped to avoid duplicate content issues, as search engines would treat www and non-www versions of a site as separate entities.

Cons of using www URLs

However, there are also some drawbacks to using www URLs:

1. Extra characters: The www prefix adds extra characters to your URL, making it slightly longer and more prone to typos.
2. Slower loading times: Some argue that www URLs can lead to slower loading times, as the browser needs to perform an additional DNS lookup.
3. Less flexibility: Using www can limit your flexibility when it comes to subdomains and URL structures.

Pros of using non-www URLs

On the other hand, non-www URLs have their own advantages:

1. Simpler and shorter: Non-www URLs are shorter and easier to type, with fewer characters to remember.
2. Faster loading times: Without the www prefix, browsers can load your site faster, as there’s no need for an additional DNS lookup.
3. More flexibility: Non-www URLs offer more flexibility when it comes to subdomains and URL structures.

Cons of using non-www URLs

However, non-www URLs also have some drawbacks:

1. Less recognizable: Without the www prefix, your URL may be less recognizable to users who are accustomed to seeing it.
2. Canonicalization issues: In the past, non-www URLs could lead to duplicate content issues, as search engines might treat them as separate entities.

Ahrefs’ take on www vs. non-www URLs

So, what does Ahrefs, a leading SEO tool provider, have to say on the matter? According to Ahrefs, the choice between www and non-www URLs ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both options are valid, and there’s no significant SEO advantage to using one over the other.

In fact, Ahrefs’ own website uses a non-www URL, [ahrefs.com](http://ahrefs.com). When asked about their decision, Ahrefs’ founder, Dmitry Gerasimenko, explained that they opted for a non-www URL to simplify their branding and make their URL easier to remember.

Best practices for www vs. non-www URLs

Regardless of which option you choose, there are some best practices to keep in mind:

1. Choose one and stick to it: Consistency is key when it comes to URLs. Choose either www or non-www and use it consistently across your site.
2. Set up redirects: Ensure that both www and non-www versions of your site redirect to the same URL, to avoid duplicate content issues.
3. Use canonical URLs: Specify a canonical URL for each page, to help search engines understand which version is the preferred one.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the debate between www and non-www URLs is largely a matter of personal preference. Both options have their pros and cons, and there’s no significant SEO advantage to using one over the other. Ahrefs, a leading SEO tool provider, uses a non-www URL, but ultimately, the choice is up to you. By following best practices and choosing one option consistently, you can ensure that your website is easily accessible and optimized for search engines.