How to Fix “Alternate page with proper canonical tag”
The “Alternate Page with Proper Canonical Tag error” status message in Google Search Console means that there are two versions of a page on your website
nxlogy
January 18th, 2024
Table Of Contents
1. Understanding the “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” Error
In the digital landscape, errors can impede the performance of your website. This section explores the nature of the “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” error, shedding light on its implications and potential consequences.
2. Common Causes of the Error
Delve into the factors triggering the “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” error. Identifying root causes is crucial for implementing effective solutions.
3. Impact on SEO Rankings
Explore how this error can adversely affect your website’s search engine rankings. Gain insights into the correlation between the error and SEO performance.
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the Error
In this detailed section, discover actionable steps to rectify the “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” error. Follow the guide to ensure a seamless resolution.
Identify the Error in Google Search Console:
Log in to your Google Search Console account.
Navigate to the “Coverage” report.
Look for the specific pages marked with the “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” error.
Review Canonical Tags:
Access the HTML source code of the affected pages.
Locate the canonical tags (<link rel="canonical" href="URL">) within the <head> section.
Ensure that the canonical tags point to the correct and preferred version of the page.
Implement Proper Canonicalization:
Adjust the canonical tags on the alternate versions to match the canonical tag on the main page.
Use absolute URLs in canonical tags for clarity.
Verify Redirects:
Confirm that redirects are correctly set up for any alternate versions.
Ensure that users and search engines are redirected to the canonical version.
Update Sitemaps:
Submit an updated XML sitemap to Google Search Console.
Include only the canonical versions of the pages in the sitemap.
Fetch and Render:
Use Google Search Console’s “Fetch and Render” tool to verify the changes.
Confirm that Googlebot can access and render the pages correctly.
Monitor Google Search Console:
Regularly check the Google Search Console for any reoccurrence of the error.
Address new issues promptly and continue monitoring the site’s performance.
Utilize URL Inspection Tool:
Use the URL Inspection tool in Google Search Console to analyze specific URLs.
Ensure that Google sees the correct canonicalization for each page.
Fix Any External Links:
If there are external links pointing to the incorrect versions, contact webmasters to update them.
Ensure that external sources are aware of the canonicalized URLs.
Update Content Management System (CMS) Settings:
If using a CMS, check settings related to canonical tags.
Adjust configurations to prevent automatic generation of conflicting canonical tags.
Test Responsiveness:
Confirm that the website is responsive across devices.
Check that canonicalization works seamlessly on both desktop and mobile versions.
Request Reindexing:
Use the Google Search Console to request a reindexing of the affected pages.
This accelerates the process of reflecting the changes in search results.
Regularly Audit Canonical Tags:
Include periodic checks of canonical tags in your SEO auditing process.
Proactive monitoring helps prevent the recurrence of canonicalization errors.
5. Best Practices for Canonical Tags
Understand the importance of canonical tags in SEO and learn best practices to avoid encountering the “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” error in the future.
6. Utilizing LSI Keywords in Canonical Tags
Enhance your SEO strategy by incorporating Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) keywords into canonical tags. Uncover the power of semantic relevance for improved search engine visibility.
7. FAQs about “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” Error
What is the primary cause of the “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” error?
Understand the core issue triggering this error and the impact it may have on your website.
How often should I check for canonical tag errors?
Learn the recommended frequency for monitoring and addressing canonical tag issues to maintain optimal SEO health.
Are there tools to automate the detection of canonical tag errors?
Discover effective tools that streamline the identification and resolution of canonical tag issues, saving you time and effort.
Can improper canonical tags affect user experience?
Learn about the user experience implications associated with incorrect canonical tags and how to mitigate them.
Is it necessary to hire an SEO expert to fix this error?
Evaluate whether resolving the “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” error requires professional assistance and when it’s advisable to seek expert help.
10. Conclusion
Summing up the article, this section emphasizes the importance of addressing the “Alternate page with proper canonical tag” error promptly. Implement the insights gained to optimize your website’s SEO and enhance its overall performance.
Feel free to contact NXlogy Solutions if you have any website issues
