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Sitemap without www?

by katied772
9 replies
When I tried to submit my sitemap to Google Webmaster Tools, it says the site should not have a "www" in front. Where would I change this for Webmaster Tools and is there anyplace else where it should be changed? Thanks.
#sitemap #www
  • Profile picture of the author webapex
    Not sure what the Google context, some site submission forms want the domain only.

    There is evidence that .www and non www versions are handled separately by some indexers, effectively diluting backlink juice. (for example site explorer gives different results for the 2 forms)

    There are hosting control panel sections or .httaccess setting that will force your url to a consistant form, so any visitors bookmarking the address will be using the same form.
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    • Profile picture of the author katied772
      Paths don't match
      We've detected that you submitted your Sitemap using a URL path that includes the www prefix (for instance, IANA — Example domains). However, the URLs listed inside your Sitemap don't use the www prefix (for instance, IANA — Example domains).


      This is what it says in Webmaster Tools. How do I make the two match? Webmaster Tools does not allow me to change it so I assume it needs to be changed in WP but not sure where or how.
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      • Profile picture of the author Microsys
        You can select primary domain with-www or non-www in webmaster tools (!)

        But it is better to make sure your website redirects one to the other.
        Set your WordPress/CMS if any to match.
        Then sitemaps will match as well.

        Then make setting in GWT match as well.
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        • Profile picture of the author katied772
          Originally Posted by Sitemapper View Post

          You can select primary domain with-www or non-www in webmaster tools (!)

          But it is better to make sure your website redirects one to the other.
          Set your WordPress/CMS if any to match.
          Then sitemaps will match as well.

          Then make setting in GWT match as well.
          Where is the WP CMS located at? I have installed a couple sites before and just used xml sitemap plugin and had no problem. Several days ago I enabled a program called Attracta through my Hostator acct. It tells you what problems you have with your site, etc. As part of that, I think it generates a sitemap, which may be the problem. just not sure how to disable it now. Appears no simple method.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brian Alaway
    Originally Posted by katied772 View Post

    When I tried to submit my sitemap to Google Webmaster Tools, it says the site should not have a "www" in front. Where would I change this for Webmaster Tools and is there anyplace else where it should be changed? Thanks.
    In Webmaster Tools you specify your preferred domain (www.domain.com or domain.com) here:
    WMT>click on site link>Site configuration>Settings>Preferred domain

    Once you have selected your preference, make sure your sitemap.xml matches that preference by browsing to your domain/sitemap.xml

    I would suggest disabling the Attracta program and use WordPress › Google XML Sitemaps « WordPress Plugins
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    • Profile picture of the author katied772
      Originally Posted by Brian Alaway View Post

      In Webmaster Tools you specify your preferred domain (www.domain.com or domain.com) here:
      WMT>click on site link>Site configuration>Settings>Preferred domain

      Once you have selected your preference, make sure your sitemap.xml matches that preference by browsing to your domain/sitemap.xml

      I would suggest disabling the Attracta program and use WordPress › Google XML Sitemaps « WordPress Plugins
      Thank you. I have xml sitemap on there but signed up recently through Hostgator for the Attracta program which is suppossed to warn of any errors, broken links, etc on site. They also submit the sitemap, which I think may be the problem. I have a support ticket in to disable but they make it so easy to sign up but difficult to disable.
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  • Profile picture of the author VegasGreg
    Maybe your sitemap was created before you updated your settings in WP to use the WWW as part of your url.

    If that is the case, now that it is updated, go to your Sitemap user area and rebuild the sitemap (click the rebuild manually button), then things should work out.

    If you posted a link to your site we could look deeper into the matter, if needed.
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  • Profile picture of the author palmer9999
    Originally Posted by katied772 View Post

    When I tried to submit my sitemap to Google Webmaster Tools, it says the site should not have a "www" in front. Where would I change this for Webmaster Tools and is there anyplace else where it should be changed? Thanks.
    I had this exact same problem last week couldn't understand it. Its actually a simple fix. When you go to the sitemap generator rather than putting your domain in as http://mydomain.com put it in as http://www.mydomain.com delete the old sitemap and click re-submit to google webmasters and problem solved!!

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