If you would like to exclusively use either the www or non-www version of your domain, this can be through the redirects area of cPanel. Redirecting a domain to either the www version or non-www version is a little different from redirecting one domain to another, so we've created this article to walk you through how to do either one.

This type of redirection can help with URL canonicalization by search engines. URL canonicalization refers to the process by which a search engine decides which version of your site's URL is best to display in search results. By redirecting to one version of your site, you will have more control over which URL appears in search results. Per Google Webmaster Guidelines, this may also help to limit possible dilution of page rank that can occur if Google can't determine which version of your URL should be preferred.

First, you will want to decide which version of your site you prefer. This is really a personal preference and the only important thing is to be consistent. So, it's best to pick one up front and stick with it.

Redirecting Your Domain to www URL.

1. Begin by logging into cPanel
2. Select the Redirects icon under the Domains area of your cPanel home page.

   

3. Keep the Type as the default, Permanent(301).
4. Select your domain name from the drop down menu on the next line.
5. In the redirects to text box, type in the full URL of your domain, including www (e.g. http://www.yourdomain.com).
6. Select the radio button next to Do Not Redirect www.
7. Click the Add button to add your redirect

   

8. You can test your redirect by typing in the non-www version of your domain into your browser address bar. You will be automatically redirected to the www URL.

   

   

Redirecting Your Domain to non-www URL

1. Begin by logging into your cPanel account.
2. Click on the Redirects icon under the Domains area of your cPanel home page.

   

3. Keep the Type as the default, Permanent(301)
4. Select your domain name from the drop down menu on the next line.
5. In the redirects to text box, type in the full URL of your domain, without the www (e.g. http://yourdomain.com).
6. Select the radio button next to Only redirect with www.
7. Click the Add button to add your redirect

   

8. If you want to test your new redirect, type in the www version of your domain name into your browser. You will be redirected to the non-www URL for your domain.