Hello to our digital voyagers! 🌠
The expansive universe of SEO often throws a curveball or two our way. One such intriguing warning that may pop up in your Google Search Console dashboard is the “Alternate page with proper canonical tag.” If this has got you scratching your head in confusion, fret not! We’re here to demystify this message and guide you to a resolution.
And just before we embark on this insightful journey, a quick note: Watsspace, your digital guiding star, is always on standby to assist. Tricky SEO terrains are easier to navigate with a trusted partner, and with our free consultations, you’re always a beacon away from expert assistance.
What does “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” mean?
This warning suggests that among two similar or duplicate pages, one (the alternate) is pointing via a canonical tag to the other, which Google recognizes as the canonical page. However, the identified canonical page isn’t self-referencing with its own canonical tag or may be pointing elsewhere, leading to confusion.
The Importance of Addressing This:
- Clear SEO Directives: Ensuring clarity about which page is canonical helps Google index and rank the right content.
- Avoid Diluted SEO Value: Consolidate ranking signals to your preferred version to optimize SEO potential.
- Ensure Consistency: Avoid potential confusion for both search engines and users by clearly defining your content’s canonical source.
Steps to Resolve “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” Issue:
- Identify the Pages in Question: Start by diving into Google Search Console and pinpointing which URLs are throwing this warning.
- Review Canonical Tags: Inspect the canonical tags on both the alternate and the suggested canonical page. Ensure that the canonical page has a self-referencing canonical tag:
<link rel="canonical" href="URL_OF_CANONICAL_PAGE" />. - Avoid Mixed Signals: Ensure that the canonical page doesn’t have other conflicting canonical tags or directives, such as pointing to another page as canonical or carrying a ‘noindex’ tag.
- Update Internal Links: If necessary, adjust internal links on your site to consistently point towards the canonical version.
- Re-submit to Google: With adjustments in place, revisit Google Search Console. Use the ‘URL Inspection’ tool to re-check the pages and then submit them for re-indexing.
Halfway through our guide, and if the SEO maze seems daunting, remember that Watsspace is here to guide you through. SEO intricacies are our forte, and our free consultations ensure you’re always on the right track.
Pro Tips for Avoiding Canonical Confusions:
- Regular Audits: Periodically review canonical tags across your site, especially after major content updates or site overhauls.
- Consistency in URL Structures: Whether it’s choosing ‘www’ over non-‘www’ or ‘https://’ over ‘http://’, remain consistent in your URL structures.
- Educate Your Team: If you have multiple people managing or updating the website, ensure everyone understands the importance of canonical tags.
To wrap things up, the “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” warning might sound intricate, but with a systematic approach and clarity, it’s a hurdle you can easily overcome. Properly configured canonical tags are essential for guiding Google and making sure your content gets the attention it deserves.
Whether you’re a seasoned digital navigator or still charting your path in the vast online cosmos, remember, you’re never alone. Watsspace is here, ever-ready to guide, assist, and illuminate your journey.
Stay inspired, keep learning, and let’s continue this enthralling digital adventure together! 🌍🚀
