'domain:example.com/' is this line with a '/' at the end of the domain valid in a disavow report file ?

[LabeliumUSA]

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

[LabeliumUSA]

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.

[RobCairns]

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:

1. 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...

2. 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