How to fix the "Alternate Page With the Proper Canonical Tag"?

The "Alternate page with proper canonical tag" error can occur if multiple versions of the same content or topic are present in different URLs, resulting in duplicity.

When search engines encounter multiple versions of the same content on your website, they may index and prioritize a page that is different from the one you aim to rank for in the SERP.

This can lead to your preferred page not getting the attention it deserves, affecting your site's overall visibility and ranking potential.

In this blog post, we'll walk you through the ins and outs of this error, demystify the concept of canonical tags, and equip you with simple, actionable steps to fix the "alternate page with the proper canonical tag.”

What is the canonical tag?

A canonical tag, officially known as a 'rel="canonical" tag,' is an HTML element embedded within a web page's code. It acts as a signpost for search engine algorithms, guiding them to the 'master' or primary URL when multiple similar or duplicate pages are present.

By declaring a canonical URL, you're instructing search engines such as Google which web page version should be indexed and shown in the search results.

To get a better idea, imagine this scenario: You own an eCommerce website that sells shoes with two similar pages: mysite.com/red-shoes and mysite.com/shoes-red. 

The differences may seem minute, but technically, they are considered similar by search engines, causing an unintended duplication of content.

Here's where a canonical tag steps in:

By applying a rel="canonical" tag to the HTML code of 'mysite.com/shoes-red' pointing to 'mysite.com/red-shoes,' search engines will interpret the latter as the canonical version.

This process not only helps keep your website organized but also wards off potential SEO issues related to duplicate content, ensuring the right page is ranked in the SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages).

What does "Alternate Page with Proper Canonical Tag" mean?

Served up in your Google Search Console's page indexing report, the "Alternate Page with Proper Canonical Tag" message signals that Google's bots have identified two versions of the same page on your website, both carrying the same canonical URL. 

In other words, it's like telling the search engine that two pages should be considered one. Google, acknowledging your instructions, excludes the alternate or duplicate page from being indexed and focuses on the main or master version set by the canonical URL.

While it sounds alarming, it's more of a status report rather than an error. It's Google's way of letting you know it has detected multiple page versions but honoring the canonical tags you set. Therefore, the search console treats these pages correctly, avoiding negative impacts on your website's SEO ranking. 

Identifying Affected URLs in Google Search Console

Firstly, it's important to set the record straight - an 'alternate page with a proper canonical tag' is not an 'error' in the actual sense but more of a status that Google uses to classify pages when it finds two versions of the same page having the same canonical URL on your website.

To further investigate, Google Search Console (GSC) provides a simple method to identify the affected URLs.

Step 1: Log into your GSC account and navigate to the 'Coverage' section under 'Index'.

Step 2: Clicking on 'Excluded' will unfold various sub-categories, among which you will find the 'Alternate page with proper canonical tag.'

Step 3: Click on it to reveal a list of URLs regarded by Google as duplicates of the canonical URL.

The key purpose of this exercise is to verify if these pages should indeed be tagged in this manner. Sometimes, crucial webpages that deserve their own unique rankings may unnecessarily fall into this list due to incorrect canonicalization.

Verifying the accuracy of the report

It is essential to affirm that the 'Alternate Page with Proper Canonical Tag' statuses within your coverage report hold true.

To cross-check the validity of these URLs, use GSC's 'URL Inspection Tool,' a powerful resource that lets you glimpse how Google views your URL.

Paste the flagged URL into the tool and examine the coverage details where Google outlines the reason for exclusion.

In our case, this would likely state that it’s an 'Alternate page with a proper canonical tag.'

Further, under 'URL Inspection,' by clicking the 'Google-selected canonical,' you get to see the original URL Google has chosen to index. 

Deciding if the Error Needs Fixing

While stumbling upon the status message “Alternate Page with Proper Canonical Tag” may seem worrisome, mostly, things are under control. This message simply implies that Google has recognized the canonical URL you provided and is indexing the preferred page while omitting the alternate one.

In most cases, you don’t need to panic or hustle to fix this - But should you?

When is it okay to ignore the error?

It’s apt to ignore this status when the canonicalized pages are correctly recognized by Google, and they do not contribute any additional issues. If the canonical tags have been implemented deliberately, mapping a preferred version amidst multiple versions of a page versions serves as the desired outcome - not an error.

These tags intentionally guide search engines to avoid indexing duplicate content and steer clear of potential SEO problems. Therefore, in such intentional instances, there is no need to rush for corrections as this is a sign that your web setup is functioning precisely as desired.

When should you fix the error?

The "Alternate Page with Proper Canonical Tag" status does require attention when it raises doubts about the correctness of your canonical implementation. 

Or worse yet, when it's unintentional. If some canonicalized pages are, in fact, unique and valuable, they would be unfairly sidelined from individual indexing, missing out on deserved organic traffic.

This might point to a serious flaw in your site’s SEO management, necessitating investigation and correction. 

Similarly, if your site shows a vast number of pages under this status - greatly disproportionate to the website size - it hints at poor internal link structure or potential crawl budget issues, necessitating review and rectification.

Fixing the "Alternate Page with Proper Canonical Tag" Error

Given its potential implications, rightly identifying and rectifying the 'Alternate Page with Proper Canonical Tag' status is crucial. 

Here's a four-stage process of tackling the error based on specific scenarios:

Scenario 1: Incorrect canonical URL on the alternate page

An erroneous canonical URL implying an unintended alternate page might result in essential pages not being indexed. 

In such cases, use the URL Inspection Tool to verify the current canonical version of your page. 

If it turns out to be incorrect, reconsider your approach. If you wish to keep these pages from being crawled or indexed, resort to applying the meta robots tag with a 'noindex' directive and remove the canonical tag from the source code. Otherwise, establish correct canonicals for affected pages, consulting with your SEO or Development Teams if necessary to establish correct canonicals for affected pages.

Scenario 2: Keeping the alternate page indexed

If you desire the alternate page to be indexed, you need to remove the canonical tag directing to another page. 

Ensure your page offers unique user value so as not to be perceived as duplicates. This would encourage indexing through a self-referential canonical tag. However, removing the canonical tag without altering the content amounts to duplicate content issues, prompting Google to mark that page as 'Duplicate without user-selected canonical' in the search console.

Scenario 3: Removing alternate pages as separate URLs

When the alternate pages reported turn out to be redundant on your website, consider 301 redirecting them to the original, canonical URL. 

However, using redirects improperly, notably in internal linking, triggers crawl budget problems, especially for larger websites. Thus, it's advisable to consult your SEO Specialist or Developer before taking this step.

Scenario 4: Reducing the impact on the crawl budget

Non-canonical pages, if extensively crawled, can drain your crawl budget, particularly for managing large domains. 

Consider making non-canonical URLs uncrawlable to avoid such waste. Also, assess your internal linking structure to ensure it targets only indexable and canonical pages, removing those pointing toward alternate pages crawled more than needed.

In technical SEO practices, constant monitoring and evaluation of progress play a vital role. 

Upon identifying and rectifying issues related to the 'Alternate Page with Proper Canonical Tag,' track the changes in your coverage report over time. You should ideally witness a reduction in the number of affected pages.

As you add or remove pages or alter the structure, promptly reflect these changes in your sitemap. This aids Google in understanding your site structure better and improves its efficiency in indexing your web pages.

Amidst the hustle of running a website, constant checks are often neglected. Make a habit of regularly checking your Google Search Console, specifically scanning for any errors or warnings. This proactive approach helps you spot and solve potential issues quickly, keeping your online presence healthy and thriving.

Conclusion

Battling the problem of the 'Alternate Page with Proper Canonical Tag' message doesn't need to be daunting. 

By understanding what it conveys and following best practices, you can efficiently find your way and keep your website's SEO ranking unscathed.

The key is to keep checking Google Search Console regularly and to promptly address any signs of issues with duplicate content, crawl budget, or indexing. 

Remember, an effective SEO strategy involves regular optimization efforts and corrective actions, enabling both search engines and users to find and appreciate your valuable content.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a canonical tag?

A canonical tag signals search engines about the 'master' version of a web page, thereby guiding them to index the correct version when identical or extremely similar pages are present. It helps prevent issues such as duplicate content and keyword cannibalization.

How often should I monitor my website for canonical tag errors?

It's wise to regularly check your Google Search Console for any potential indexing errors or warnings. As a thumb rule, carry out this check at least once a month, intermittently if your site has a high frequency of content updation.

Can a canonical tag negatively affect my SEO?

Yes, incorrect implementation of a canonical tag, such as pointing to an invalid URL or creating loops, can harm your SEO by leading to indexing errors. Hence, ensuring they're correctly set is crucial.

Are there any tools available to help with canonical tag management?

Yes, SEO plugins like Webtune AI can help you add canonical tags automatically. Also, Google Search Console is a powerful tool to monitor and resolve issues related to canonical tags.