Re: Wich domain should you verify with google search console?

Solved

Wich domain should you verify with google search console?

Bartk1970
Excursionist
22 1 8

Hi Everyone,

 

I need a litle bit of advise with verify domains??

 

I see in shopify that my domain without the www is listed as the main domain. My domain with the www refers to it with a redirect.

 

Now I see in google search console that www is verified, and domain without the www is not. Yesterday I connected google search to shopify with the app google and youtube. Do I now have to verify the other domain without the www as well, or will I get into trouble with duplicates? Can anyone give me advice?

 

Best regards, 

 

Bart

Accepted Solution (1)

DeborahNapoleon
Excursionist
13 1 3

This is an accepted solution.

Hey Caroline! Great question — this kind of domain stuff can definitely be confusing, but I’ve got you covered. Here's what’s going on and what you should do:

What You're Seeing:

  • In Shopify: Your non-www version (example.com) is set as the primary domain, and the www version (www.example.com) redirects to it. That’s perfect and standard practice.

  • In Google Search Console: Only the www version is verified, but not the non-www.

The Fix:

You should verify both versions in Google Search Console — www and non-www. But more importantly:

You should verify the domain property (example.com) instead of just the URL prefix (www.example.com).

This way, GSC will track all variations of your domain:

What to Do:

  1. Go to Google Search Console.

  2. Click "Add Property".

  3. Choose “Domain” (not URL prefix), and enter just your root domain (like example.com).

  4. Google will give you a TXT record to add to your DNS.

    • In Shopify, go to Settings > Domains, select your domain, and then edit DNS settings to add the TXT record.

  5. Once that’s added and verified, you’re all set!

Will It Cause Duplicate Content or SEO Issues?

Nope! As long as one version redirects to the other (which Shopify is already handling), Google will not penalize you for duplicates. But verifying all versions just gives you full control and insights in Search Console.

Summary:

  • You're not in trouble — just missing a step.

  • Verify your non-www domain or even better, the domain property.

  • No SEO penalties as long as redirection is set correctly (which it is!).

Want help walking through the DNS step in Shopify? I can guide you through that too.

View solution in original post

Replies 8 (8)

DeborahNapoleon
Excursionist
13 1 3

This is an accepted solution.

Hey Caroline! Great question — this kind of domain stuff can definitely be confusing, but I’ve got you covered. Here's what’s going on and what you should do:

What You're Seeing:

  • In Shopify: Your non-www version (example.com) is set as the primary domain, and the www version (www.example.com) redirects to it. That’s perfect and standard practice.

  • In Google Search Console: Only the www version is verified, but not the non-www.

The Fix:

You should verify both versions in Google Search Console — www and non-www. But more importantly:

You should verify the domain property (example.com) instead of just the URL prefix (www.example.com).

This way, GSC will track all variations of your domain:

What to Do:

  1. Go to Google Search Console.

  2. Click "Add Property".

  3. Choose “Domain” (not URL prefix), and enter just your root domain (like example.com).

  4. Google will give you a TXT record to add to your DNS.

    • In Shopify, go to Settings > Domains, select your domain, and then edit DNS settings to add the TXT record.

  5. Once that’s added and verified, you’re all set!

Will It Cause Duplicate Content or SEO Issues?

Nope! As long as one version redirects to the other (which Shopify is already handling), Google will not penalize you for duplicates. But verifying all versions just gives you full control and insights in Search Console.

Summary:

  • You're not in trouble — just missing a step.

  • Verify your non-www domain or even better, the domain property.

  • No SEO penalties as long as redirection is set correctly (which it is!).

Want help walking through the DNS step in Shopify? I can guide you through that too.

Bartk1970
Excursionist
22 1 8

Tnx so much, I forgot to mention that my domain provider is a third party, so i should put te text file there in stead of in shopify?

Bartk1970
Excursionist
22 1 8

Hi Deborah, Could you please explain one morre time? I just verified the example.com. But the other one (www) was already verified.

What do you mean with :

 

 You should verify the domain property (example.com) instead (i did) of just the URL prefix (www.example.com).?

 

Bart

DeborahNapoleon
Excursionist
13 1 3

Hello there,
I hope you've gotten the solution you needed?

Bartk1970
Excursionist
22 1 8

Hi Deborah, i think so. Both the domains are verified. And if i understand correctly that's it. I do not have to anything extra in google console because one of them is redirected.

 

Anyway, Tnx a lot for your time. If i have to do an extra thing i would like to know.

 

Have a great day for now.

 

Bart

DeborahNapoleon
Excursionist
13 1 3

Yes, you’re right — if both domains are verified and one is redirected (which Shopify handles automatically), then you’re in good shape. Google will understand the preferred domain as long as the redirect is in place.
Wishing you a great day too 😊


Deborah.

Bartk1970
Excursionist
22 1 8

Hi There,

 

No my www is redirecting to the domain without now. So www is not my primary domain. So what should i do? Verify both? or change the primary domain? The website is live already...

Bundler-Manuel
Astronaut
1130 51 132

Hey there @Bartk1970  the best approach is to verify both domains. Check out this official verification guide from Shopify here  https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/organization-settings/users/security/verify-domain and check out this video on how to verify both www and non-www domains https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3czINOUNeH8 

Emmanuel
Please let me know if it works by marking it as a solution!
Bundler - Product Bundles app, a great bundle app for Shopify, with glowing user testimonials and a free plan.