Preferred domain? domain.com or www.domain.com?

I just now found out about Google Webmaster Tools and I see the option

Preferred domain [?]

i'm wondering which is best for SEO, cause i don't want to damage any google results.

 

Doesn't matter. Just stick to one.

 

Use whichever one the majority of your inbound-links point to. Shouldn't matter in the long run, as long as you stick to it and use 301s, as pj1s said.

I usually go with www version, because most text-based programs automatically turn them into URLs, and lots of people are more comfortable when they see www.

Danny Sullivan seems to always use non-www version, take from that what ya will.

 

Dont ask me why but www.domain.com looks more balanced to me...
I agree with guys above , one or other..

 

I use the www version but it is just a personal preference

 

I totally agree with pj1s. The most important is to stick to 1.
I prefer to use www.domain.com for my TLD

 

Yeah, definatley STICK to 1 (I made a big mistake and used both, so my SEO is nowhere as good as it could be)
I suggest www.domain.com since your server/some software doesn't connect to the site without the 'www.'

 

First, check which had a better inbound link and as if you found http://domain.com had the most, it's okay. But i'm prefer if www instead coz it look smarter and friendly.

 

it does not change anythink but you must insert

to your .htaccess file

 

I also always use the www. version and redirect the non www to it also.

 

I always stick to 'www.domain.com', but for SEO that doesn't matters in fact, like said above

 

It doesn't matter what domain will you going to used when SEO'ing your site. But for me, ill prefer to have www.

 

I also preffer the www. version. Sounds better a bit.

 

I prefer to use the www. better even though lately I've noticed that on websites I regularly visit I will just type in name.com.

I also use 301 redirects as mentioned above.

Skinny

 

All the time ive been switching between the two thanks for the info!

 

Don't switch: pick one and stick to it.

 

I prefer WITHOUT the www deadweight... I see that I am in the minority opinion here.

 

yes both are not different

just pick one and stick with it

 

www.domain.com is the best.

People think ALL sites begin with "www" and end with ".com"

 

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So just placing this in your htaccess file is all that is necessary for a permanant 301 redirect?

I have not done this but I should and will.

I think I'll stick with the www version for 2 reasons.

1. You guys suggest it
2. I use subdomains so I figure the www subdomain is consistent with that

Does anyone else who subdomains a lot have an opinion