A bare domain, also commonly referred to as a naked domain or apex domain, is the root version of a domain name that does not include the "www" prefix or any other subdomain. This means that visitors can reach your website by typing only your main domain name into their browser, such as example.com or my-website.com, without needing to include www. beforehand.
For instance, if visitors can access your website by simply visiting http://my-website.com instead of http://www.my-website.com, you have a bare domain configuration. This direct access method simplifies the website address, making it easier to remember and share.
Characteristics of a Bare Domain
- No Prefix: It lacks any subdomain like "www", "blog", or "shop".
- Root Level: It represents the highest level of your domain name hierarchy.
- Direct Accessibility: Allows users to reach your site by typing the domain name directly.
Why Use a Bare Domain?
Opting for a bare domain can offer several advantages:
- Simplicity and Memorability: A shorter, more direct URL is easier for users to recall and type.
- Stronger Branding: It reinforces the core brand name without any added prefixes, making your domain name feel more primary and definitive.
- User Experience: Provides a cleaner and more streamlined experience for visitors.
Bare Domain vs. WWW Domain
It's important to understand the distinction between a bare domain and a "www" domain, as websites typically configure one as the primary and redirect the other.
| Feature | Bare Domain (e.g., example.com) | WWW Domain (e.g., www.example.com) |
|---|---|---|
| URL Structure | No prefix | Includes the "www" prefix |
| Access Point | Root level of the domain | A common subdomain |
| Primary Use | Often preferred for simplicity | Traditional standard |
| DNS Configuration | Typically uses an A record | Often uses a CNAME record |
Many websites are configured to be accessible via both example.com and www.example.com, with one automatically redirecting to the other to ensure all traffic goes to a single canonical URL. This helps with SEO and avoids duplicate content issues.
Examples of Bare Domains
google.com(whilewww.google.comalso works,google.comis a bare domain)amazon.commicrosoft.commy-website.com(as per the example provided earlier)
Implementing bare domain support requires specific DNS (Domain Name System) configurations to ensure that your website server correctly responds to requests for the root domain.
