Understanding the “Alternate Page with Proper Canonical Tag” Error in Google Search Console
For SEO professionals, encountering the “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” error in Google Search Console can feel like navigating a complex maze. While it may seem daunting, this issue typically stems from duplicate content or URL parameters, rather than a severe crisis. Understanding how Google interprets these errors can help you resolve them effectively.
At its core, this error indicates that Google has encountered a page that it believes is a duplicate of another page, even though both have proper canonical tags. The canonical tag is a way to tell search engines which version of a page you want to be indexed, but it doesn’t always work as intended.
Exporting Data for Analysis
To begin troubleshooting this error, start by exporting the list of flagged pages from the Google Search Console into a spreadsheet. Navigate to Google Search Console, then go to the “Pages” section and check under “Why pages aren’t indexed.” Once you have this data, you can analyze it for common issues.
One initial step is to filter for parameter URLs, which often generate this error. Parameter URLs typically contain a “?” and can lead to duplicate content issues if not managed correctly. If your export reveals that all flagged URLs are parameter URLs, congratulations—you’ve identified the source of the problem.
For further verification, manually inspect a handful of these parameter URLs in Google Search Console. Check that the non-parameter version is set as the canonical tag. For example, if you have a parameter URL like `/desktop/buy/?full`, ensure that `/desktop/buy/` is marked as the canonical version.
Managing URL Parameters
The SEO landscape is evolving, and search engines like Google are getting better at handling parameters. Google’s John Mueller and Gary Illyes discussed this on the “Search Off the Record” podcast, noting the need for a large sample of URLs to determine the relevancy of parameters. Although the URL parameter tool was decommissioned in April 2022, Google is exploring options to enhance how parameters are processed.
For example, if parameter URLs are indeed causing the error, adjusting your internal linking strategy might help. Consider whether these parameters are essential for user navigation, or if they can be eliminated or consolidated.
Handling Language Subfolders
Another common cause of this error is the incorrect processing of language subfolders. If your site features content in multiple languages, ensure that the URLs don’t serve up duplicate content. For instance, having both `https://website.com/111674/` and `https://website.com/en/111674/` in English can lead to duplicate content issues. Google tends to favor one version over the other, potentially leading to indexing problems.
If you find that Google has chosen a version you didn’t intend as the canonical page, update your canonical tags accordingly and implement 301 redirects to guide users and search engines to the correct version.
The Importance of Trailing Slashes and Case Sensitivity
Another technical aspect that can generate the “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” error involves trailing slashes in URLs. For instance, URLs without a trailing slash, such as `https://website.com/solutions/huey`, can be treated differently from their counterparts with trailing slashes, like `https://website.com/solutions/huey/`. To avoid confusion, make sure the canonical tag points to the version that consistently includes the trailing slash, and set up 301 redirects if necessary.
Similarly, uppercase and lowercase letters in URLs can create indexing problems. URLs are case-sensitive, which means that `https://website.com/events/` and `https://website.com/Events/` are treated as distinct pages by search engines. If both versions are indexed, set up a 301 redirect to consolidate them under one canonical version.
Strategizing to Prevent Errors
Resolving the “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” error requires a strategic approach. There are no quick fixes, and understanding Google’s algorithms for identifying duplicate content is crucial. The SEO community is adept at dissecting these algorithms, and keeping abreast of updates can provide insights into best practices.
Regularly auditing your site for duplicate content, ensuring proper canonical tags, and managing how parameters and subfolders are structured will help maintain a healthy index status in Google Search Console.
As you refine your strategies, remember that SEO is a continuous process. Engaging with credible resources, such as the insights shared by experts on social media or podcasts, can greatly enhance your understanding. Keeping your content unique and properly structured not only helps with resolving errors but also improves your overall search visibility.
In summary, while the “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” error may initially seem like a serious issue, a thorough analysis, a few strategic adjustments, and ongoing education can demystify the process and lead to better SEO outcomes.
