Understanding the Role of Subdomains in Google Indexing

In a recent Google Office Hours Q&A session, John Mueller, a prominent figure at Google, shed light on an interesting technical SEO aspect related to domains and subdomains. The session revolved around a website owner who was facing indexing issues despite using the Core MVC framework and HTTPS protocol. Mueller’s insights revealed that the perceived indexing problem was not caused by the framework or the protocol but rather by the absence of the “www” subdomain in the indexed version of the site.

The Indexing Mystery Unveiled

The website owner reached out to Google with concerns about their new site built on Core MVC and moved to HTTPS. They were puzzled as to why their new pages were not getting indexed. Mueller, after examining the site, discovered that the indexing issues were not related to the MVC framework or HTTPS configuration. Instead, it was a matter of the site being indexed without the “www” subdomain.

According to Mueller, if one searched explicitly for the www version of the site, they would find very little indexed content. However, a search for the domain alone, such as “site:domain.com,” would yield indexed results. This revelation led Mueller to redefine the problem from the site not being indexed to the specific issue of the non-WWW version of the site not being indexed.

The Significance of Subdomains

Mueller’s explanation also served as a reminder of a crucial technical fact about websites: the WWW version is actually a subdomain of the non-WWW version. This distinction holds importance when it comes to indexing and search engine visibility.

When a website is set up, it can be accessed either with or without the “www” prefix. Both versions, with and without “www,” are technically different subdomains. However, from an SEO standpoint, it is essential to ensure that both versions are properly indexed to maximize visibility.

The Impact on Indexing Perception

The indexing issue faced by the website owner was a result of the non-WWW version of their site being indexed. This might have caused the perception that their site was not getting indexed at all. It is crucial to consider this aspect when troubleshooting indexing problems and not overlook the potential role of subdomains in the indexing process.

Sometimes, the solution to a problem lies beyond the obvious causes. It is imperative to delve deeper and explore all potential factors that might be influencing the indexing process. By doing so, one can identify the true cause of the issue and implement the appropriate solution.

Ensuring Proper Indexing for Subdomains

To ensure that both the WWW and non-WWW versions of a website are properly indexed, website owners and SEO professionals can take specific steps:

1. Canonicalization: Implement canonical tags to specify the preferred version of the site. This helps search engines understand which version should be indexed and displayed in search results.
2. Redirects: Set up proper redirects to ensure that both versions (with and without “www”) lead to the preferred version of the site. This can be achieved through 301 redirects, which inform search engines that a permanent move has been made.
3. Google Search Console: Verify ownership of both the WWW and non-WWW versions of the site in Google Search Console. This allows website owners to monitor indexing status, identify potential issues, and submit sitemaps for better visibility.

Conclusion

The case discussed during the Google Office Hours Q&A highlighted the surprising role of subdomains in the perception of indexing issues. It revealed that the absence of the “www” subdomain in the indexed version of a site can create the impression that the site is not getting indexed at all. By understanding this technical aspect and implementing the necessary measures to ensure proper indexing for both versions of a website, website owners can enhance their search engine visibility and avoid any potential misconceptions about their site’s indexing status.

See first source: Search Engine Journal

FAQ

1. What was the main issue discussed in the Google Office Hours Q&A session?

The Q&A session revolved around a website owner’s indexing issues despite using the Core MVC framework and HTTPS protocol. The website owner was puzzled as to why their new pages were not getting indexed.

2. What was John Mueller’s key insight regarding the indexing problem?

John Mueller’s insights revealed that the indexing issues were not caused by the Core MVC framework or HTTPS configuration. Instead, it was related to the absence of the “www” subdomain in the indexed version of the site.

3. How did Mueller redefine the problem in terms of indexing?

Mueller redefined the problem from the site not being indexed to the specific issue of the non-WWW version of the site not being indexed. He explained that both versions, with and without “www,” are technically different subdomains, and it’s essential to ensure that both are properly indexed.

4. What is the significance of subdomains in terms of indexing and SEO?

From an SEO standpoint, both the WWW and non-WWW versions of a website are technically different subdomains. Ensuring proper indexing for both versions is essential to maximize search engine visibility.

5. How can website owners ensure proper indexing for both WWW and non-WWW versions of their site?

Website owners and SEO professionals can take several steps to ensure proper indexing for both versions, including:

• Canonicalization: Implement canonical tags to specify the preferred version of the site.
• Redirects: Set up proper redirects (e.g., 301 redirects) to lead both versions to the preferred version.
• Google Search Console: Verify ownership of both versions in Google Search Console for monitoring and sitemap submission.

6. What lesson can be learned from this case about troubleshooting indexing problems?

The case highlights the importance of considering subdomains in the indexing process when troubleshooting issues. Sometimes, the true cause of indexing problems may involve subdomain configurations, and it’s essential to explore all potential factors.

7. What is the ultimate goal of addressing subdomain indexing issues?

The ultimate goal is to enhance search engine visibility and avoid misconceptions about a site’s indexing status. Properly indexing both versions (with and without “www”) ensures that users can access the site regardless of how they type the URL, and it maximizes the site’s visibility in search results.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Remotar Jobs; Unsplash – Thank you!