'domain:example.com/' is this line with a '/' at the end of the domain valid in a disavow report file ?
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Hi everyone
Just out of curiosity, what would happen if in my disavow report I have this line :
domain:example.com**/** instead of domain:example.com as recommended by google.
I was just wondering if adding a / at the end of a domain would automatically render the line invalid and ignored by Google's disavow backlinks tool.
Many thanks for your thoughts
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Hi Rob !
Thank you very much for taking the time to write a really detailed and clear answer, I really appreciate it.
This was insightful and answered my question.
Cheers.
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Hi Arnold,
It's all a matter of how your sitemap is set up. Generally speaking a trailing slash (example.com/) has been used for directory pages while open URL's (example.com) represent files. The answer to your question hinges on 2 factors:
- Which of these pathways exist on your site?
- If only 1 exists and you use the right version (slash or no slash) you're golden.
- If only 1 exists and you use the wrong version, the disavowal tool will identify an error and search for the alternative (aka you're golden)
Here's where it gets complicated...
- If both exist, do they feature the same content/link profile?
- If both feature the same content, you're fine.
- If there is different content on both options (slash and no slash), then you have a problem. The disavowal process will still roll out, but you will disavow one pathway and not the other. If you choose wrong, then you are effectively disavowing nothing.
As a general rule, if you are working with a current CMS (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, etc.) you are fine since these platforms automate the pathway as a file (no slash) which is largely why Google suggests using no trailing slash. If you have a custom site or something based on HTML (example.com/category.html) then you have to be more aware during the disavowal process.
Hope that answers your question - let me know if you need clarification.
Cheers,
Rob
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