URL Canonicalization Fix for GoDaddy Windows IIS Hosting Plans

Greg Meyers — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:34:08 +0000

Even though SemGeek is a blog focused mostly on PPC Marketing, I wanted to disclose some important SEO related information for everyone who uses Godaddy hosting for either their websites or client websites. You see, the problem is that Godaddy hosting does not automatically redirect the website url to the WWW (meaning if a person types in http:// it will not automatically redirect to http://www) and that is a BAD thing if you want to rank well Organically. (and who the hell does not want that huh?) As many SEO Experts have said in the past, Google sees both the www and without www as different websites and does not index your site as optimally as it could be in the SERPs. Here are some other terrific resources about URL Canonicalization (Geez, that one is a hard one to pronounce)

With that said, for Godaddy's Windows Hosting, there appears to be NO Quick Fix for this issue, as I am told. However, after spending a few minutes on the phone with Godaddy, I have provided you with a step-by-step guide on how to fix this SEO Issue. It's very easy, just a little methodical.

STEP #1: Go to DOMAIN MANAGER

STEP #2: Go to TOTAL DNS > TOTAL DNS Control

STEP #3: Under CNAME > Remove Host: [www] which points to [@] (DELETE THIS)

STEP #4: After a minute or two, Add (2) entries to the A (Host) section

STEP #5: Add New A Record > Host = [www] & point it to your [specific IP Address] (Add)

STEP #6: Add New A Record > Host = [@] & point it to [64.202.189.170] (Add)

(Important Note: This is Godaddy's universal Redirected IP Address 64.202.189.170)

STEP #7: Back to DOMAIN Manager > Choose Domain > Choose Forwarding > Enter the website's full url with the (WWW) in there.

STEP #8: Give it 24 – 48 Hours for the redirect to take effect.

I hope this information I provided is helpful and best of luck with your websites.

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URL Canonicalization Fix for GoDaddy Windows IIS Hosting Plans