# How to Add “www” to Your WooCommerce URLs: A Simple Guide
Want to ensure your WooCommerce store uses “www” in its URLs (e.g., `www.yourstore.com` instead of `yourstore.com`)? This seemingly small detail can impact your SEO and brand consistency. This guide will walk you through the process, even if you’re a complete beginner.
Why Add “www”? The Importance of URL Consistency
Before diving into the technical aspects, let’s understand *why* you might want to add “www.” to your URLs.
- Branding and Recognition: Consistent URL structure reinforces your brand identity. If some pages use “www” and others don’t, it looks unprofessional and can confuse your customers.
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization): While Google generally treats both “www” and non-“www” versions as the same website, having a consistent structure across *all* your URLs helps avoid potential issues and keeps things tidy for search engines. It also minimizes the risk of duplicate content penalties. Imagine Google indexing `yourstore.com/product` and `www.yourstore.com/product` as two separate pages – that’s not ideal!
- Link Building: Consistency simplifies link building efforts. You only need to remember one primary URL structure for internal and external links.
- Redirection: A robust plugin that handles various redirection scenarios, including “www” enforcement.
- Yoast SEO: While primarily an SEO plugin, Yoast SEO also offers options for managing URL redirects and enforcing “www” or “non-www”.
Methods to Add “www” to your WooCommerce URLs
There are several ways to enforce “www” in your WooCommerce URLs. The best method depends on your comfort level with technical aspects and your website setup.
1. Using `.htaccess` (Recommended for Advanced Users)
This method is powerful but requires some familiarity with server files. Proceed with caution and back up your `.htaccess` file before making any changes.
This approach involves editing the `.htaccess` file located in your WordPress root directory (usually the same directory as `wp-config.php`). Add the following lines:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} !^www. [NC]
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://www.yourdomain.com/$1 [L,R=301]
Remember to replace `yourdomain.com` with your actual domain name.
* Explanation: This code uses Apache’s `mod_rewrite` module. It checks if the requested URL doesn’t start with “www.” (the `RewriteCond` line). If it doesn’t, it redirects (using a 301 redirect – a permanent redirect that’s best for SEO) to the “www” version (the `RewriteRule` line).
2. Using a WordPress Plugin (Recommended for Beginners)
Many plugins simplify this process, requiring no code editing. Search for “URL redirection” or “www redirect” in your WordPress plugin directory. Popular options include:
Install and activate the chosen plugin. The configuration usually involves selecting the desired URL structure (with “www” or without). The plugin will automatically handle the redirects for you. Follow the plugin’s instructions carefully.
3. Modifying your WordPress `wp-config.php` (Less Recommended)
This method is generally less preferred because it’s not directly related to URL handling but can be used in certain configurations. Only try this if you are comfortable modifying core WordPress files and understand the implications. Incorrectly modifying this file can break your website.
You can add the following code inside the `wp-config.php` file, but this is not a standard approach and should be considered carefully:
define('WP_HOME','https://www.yourdomain.com');
define('WP_SITEURL','https://www.yourdomain.com');
Replace `yourdomain.com` with your domain name.
Verifying Your Changes
After implementing any of these methods, it’s crucial to verify that the redirection is working correctly. Use tools like:
- Your browser’s developer tools: Check the network tab to see if a 301 redirect is happening when you access your site without “www.”
- Online redirect checkers: Many free online tools can test if your redirects are set up correctly.
Conclusion
Adding “www” to your WooCommerce URLs is a simple step that can improve your site’s professionalism and SEO. Choose the method that best suits your technical skills and always back up your files before making any changes. Remember that consistency is key!
