In a recent video, Google shared valuable insights for website owners on identifying and resolving technical SEO problems that may impact indexing and rankings. Here, we break down Google’s three tips to help you effectively troubleshoot technical issues using the Search Console.
Tip 1: Is the URL Indexable?
Check Index Status:
Begin by verifying if a page is indexed or indexable. Google’s Search Console offers a powerful tool—the URL Inspection tool—to assess a page’s indexing status. It provides information on whether the page is indexed, if it’s indexable, and the last crawl date.
Consideration for Static Pages:
For pages that don’t change frequently, Googlebot may crawl them less often. This is a normal behaviour aimed at conserving resources both for Google and the web server.
Request a Crawl:
Utilize the URL Inspection tool to request a crawl if necessary, especially for pages that have undergone updates or changes.
Tip 2: Check for Duplicates and Canonicalization
Identify Duplicate Content:
The patent explicitly outlined how registration data could help detect throwaway or spam domains, as legitimate domains often have longer registration periods. However, this information was misinterpreted by some SEOs, leading to the misconception that domain age directly influences rankings.
Canonical URLs and Indexing:
Even if the chosen canonical URL is unexpected, the content is indexed and can appear in search results. It’s crucial to understand that the canonicalization process ensures proper indexing despite variations in URL choices.
Bonus Tip: Avoid Using Cache or Site Search Operators:
Google discourages using cache or site search operators for diagnostic purposes. These features are not intended for debugging and may provide misleading outcomes.
Tip 3: Check Rendered HTML for Anomalies
Distinguish Between Source Code and Rendered HTML:
Recognize the difference between source code HTML and rendered HTML. While source code displays the raw HTML, rendered HTML represents the output after executing JavaScript and other processes.
Use Rendered HTML for Debugging:
For effective debugging, review the rendered HTML, especially if there are issues related to JavaScript or other dynamic elements on the page. This can unveil errors or missing content caused by technical issues on the server or within the application code.
Access Rendered HTML with Search Console and Chrome DevTools:
Search Console provides a step-by-step process for viewing rendered HTML. Alternatively, Chrome DevTools can be employed to inspect rendered HTML directly in the browser.
Conclusion
By following these three tips from Google, website owners can enhance their ability to identify and resolve technical SEO issues affecting indexing and rankings. Leveraging tools like the Search Console and Chrome DevTools empowers website administrators to ensure a smooth and optimized user experience for both visitors and search engines. Stay proactive in addressing technical concerns to maintain a strong online presence