Google search console

HTML & CSS
1

Hi, I notice that sometimes in Google search console, when my home page isn’t being indexed, I see ref=domstry.com appended to my URL, like this:

www.example.com/ref=domstry.com. When I check https://domstry.com/, I see it’s a Website & Domain Metadata Database, so I’m wondering why it’s sometimes appended to my URL? since I haven’t paid http://domstry.com.
Thanks.

2

Hi,

The ?ref=domstry.com parameter is likely being appended to track or identify traffic referred by domstry.com.

It doesn’t mean you paid them or authorized it. They are likely adding this parameter when linking to your site.

3

Just seemed a bit strange to see domstry.com appended to my URL homepage, but as long as it’s considered something normal, and not mean I’m registered or a customer of domstry, that’s ok.
Thanks for your help.

5

It’s quite normal and a way of letting the linked-to site know where the traffic is coming from.

For example, if I ask ChatGPT to find me the link to SitePoint’s About Us page, this is what it gives me:

https://www.sitepoint.com/about-us/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Here ?utm is a standardized way for analytics platforms to capture campaign data. In your case, ?ref refers to the referrer and is being used to track which website sent the traffic.

6

Ah ok, good to know that! Actually, the exact link was:

?ref=domstry.com

Thank you!

7

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