Fix - Duplicate / Alternate page with proper CANONICAL tag [SOLVED]

Introduction

This tutorial focuses on resolving common errors related to canonical tags that appear in Google Search Console, specifically "Alternate Page with Proper Canonical Tag" and "Duplicate Google Chose Different Canonical than User." These errors often occur when multiple pages on your site have similar or identical content, leading to SEO issues. We'll cover how to identify these problems and implement solutions effectively.

Step 1: Understand the Canonical Tag Error

• Identify the Errors:
  • "Alternate Page with Proper Canonical Tag" indicates that Google recognizes multiple pages with very similar content.
  • "Duplicate Google Chose Different Canonical than User" occurs when two pages have identical content, and Google has chosen which version to index.
• Common Causes:
  • Content management systems (CMS) creating AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) or mobile versions.
  • E-commerce sites with similar product pages or variations.
  • Multilingual pages with identical content across different languages.

Step 2: Assess Affected Pages

• Access Google Search Console:
  • Navigate to the "Coverage" section to find reports on canonical tag issues.
• Analyze the Pages:
  • Click on the error type to view details about the affected URLs.
  • Compare the content on the pages listed to confirm similarities.

Step 3: Implement the Removal Tool for Unused URLs

• When to Use: If you have stopped using AMP or any similar pages that are showing as duplicates.
• How to Use the Removal Tool:
  • Copy the URL of the page you want to remove.
  • Go to the "Removals" section in Google Search Console.
  • Click on "New Request" and paste the URL.
  • Submit the request to temporarily block it from Google’s index for six months.

Step 4: Update Robots.txt File

• Purpose: Prevent Google from crawling URLs that aren't essential for SEO.
• How to Edit Robots.txt:
  • Access your website’s file manager through your hosting control panel.
  • Locate and edit the robots.txt file.
  • Add disallow rules for the patterns causing issues. Use the following format:

    Disallow: /*?m=1
    Disallow: /*?add_to_wishlist=1
    Disallow: /*?v=
    

  • Save changes to prevent Google from indexing those pages.

Step 5: Create Unique Content for Similar Pages

• Why It Matters: Ensure that each page has unique content to avoid confusion for search engines.
• Action Items:
  • Revise content on pages flagged in Search Console to provide distinct value.
  • Differentiate product descriptions or features for e-commerce pages.
  • Ensure that multilingual pages contain translated content rather than identical text.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively address canonical tag errors in Google Search Console, improving your site's SEO health. Remember to regularly check for duplicate content issues and refine your pages as needed. If you need further assistance, feel free to consult additional resources or comment below for personalized help.