Best SEO Checklist
ONE FOCUSED ACTION

Check Google-selected canonical pages via URL Inspection tool.

Canonicalization optimization

1 checklist items

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    Why this matters

    Google may override your preferred canonical URL based on content quality and signals, impacting indexing and ranking.

    A STARTING-POINT EXAMPLE

    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.

    1. Open Google Search Console and use URL Inspection on duplicates.
    2. Compare Google's selected canonical URLs with your preferred URLs.
    3. Identify discrepancies and assess if Google’s choice is appropriate.
    4. Plan content or technical adjustments to align with Google-selected canonical if needed.
    5. Request indexing after fixes on key URLs.

    Watch for

    Incorrect assumptions about canonical preferences can cause unintended indexing of duplicate content.

    Definition of done

    Google Search Console URL Inspection shows your preferred canonical URL as the chosen canonical.

    Sources & attribution

    1. Fix Canonicalization Issues | Google Search Central ↗

    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.