Update canonical tags to self-reference new URLs.
- Update canonical tags to self-reference new URLs4 cited sources3 categories
Save for later 0
Use × to move an item here. You can restore it when you’re ready.
Your checks and saved items stay in this browser. Nothing is submitted.
Why this matters
Ensures search engines index the new URLs and avoid indexing old URLs post-migration.
Hypothetical standard operating procedure
Adapt this example to your site, access, tools, and change process. It is our suggested procedure, informed by the sources below.
- Extract all pages and audit existing canonical tag values.
- Update all canonical tags to point to the respective new URLs.
- Verify no canonical points to old domain URLs after migration.
- Automate canonical updates as part of migration deployment.
- Spot check canonical implementation on priority pages post-launch.
Watch for
Canonical tags pointing to old domain cause search engines to favor outdated URLs.
Definition of done
All new pages have canonical tags pointing to themselves with new URL format.
Sources & attribution
Original checklist wording and example SOP by Best SEO Checklist, using source-grounded AI assistance. Editorial contact: Ted Kubaitis, @tedkubaitis on Teams. Check current source guidance before implementation.