Google’s Guidelines for Using Canonical Tags and Noindex Meta Tags Together
Google’s John Mueller has recently provided clarity on the longstanding confusion surrounding the use of both a noindex rule and a canonical tag on the same page. While a statement from 2021 suggested that using both might ‘maybe’ work, Mueller’s latest statement offers a more detailed and definitive answer.
Noindex Rule And Rel=Canonical
When it comes to the use of HTML elements like rel=canonical and noindex, it’s important to understand how these elements function within the structure of a web page. The rel=canonical attribute serves as a signal to indicate the preferred URL that should be considered the canonical version.
On the other hand, the noindex rule is a directive that Google must adhere to, instructing the search engine not to index the page. While the rel=canonical is a strong signal, there has been confusion surrounding the effectiveness of using both the noindex rule and the canonical tag simultaneously.
The Conundrum of Using Both
The challenge arises from the fact that the noindex rule may seemingly override the canonical tag, as Google may not see the canonical signal if the page is set to noindex. This raises questions about the practicality of using both elements together and whether Google can effectively interpret the intended signals.
Mueller’s 2021 Statement
In a 2021 video, John Mueller addressed the issue of using both noindex and canonical tags on the same page. Initially, Mueller recommended choosing either the canonical or the noindex rule to avoid potential conflicts. However, he later mentioned that it might be possible to use both simultaneously, with the caveat that Google may or may not forward the canonical signal to keep the page out of the index while still acknowledging the preferred URL.
Mueller’s nuanced response in the 2021 video highlighted the complexity of the issue, with his use of the word “maybe” indicating that the situation may not have a straightforward solution. While he did not delve into the specifics of why he used this qualifier, it underscored the intricacies of balancing conflicting directives within Google’s indexing system.
Is It Okay To Use Noindex & Canonical Tag?
A question posed on Reddit sought clarification on the validity of using both noindex and canonical tags together. The query centered on whether Google would pass backlink signals to the canonical version of a noindexed page, illustrating the desire for a definitive answer on this topic.
Mueller’s Clarification
In response to the question, Mueller emphasized the importance of clarity in SEO practices, recommending that it’s best to choose either the noindex rule or followed links to avoid ambiguity. While acknowledging that links on a noindexed page could potentially be picked up by Google, it was not guaranteed, emphasizing the need for a clear preference in optimizing web pages for search engines.
The Technical Explanation
For those seeking a deeper understanding of why Google may or may not recognize a canonical tag in conjunction with a noindex rule, a tweet from Google’s Gary Illyes in 2020 shed light on the technical aspects. Illyes explained that while a page marked with noindex may not reach the serving index, Google still retains the fetched copy for purposes like link graph calculation.
The concept of a “link graph” refers to the map of link relationships between pages and websites, providing insights into the interconnected nature of online content. This technical explanation offers valuable context for understanding how Google interprets and processes conflicting directives like noindex and canonical tags.
In Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of using canonical tags and noindex meta tags together requires a nuanced approach, balancing the need for clear signals with the technical intricacies of Google’s indexing system. While Mueller’s guidance underscores the importance of prioritizing clarity in SEO strategies, it also highlights the challenges of reconciling conflicting directives within the search engine’s algorithms. By understanding the nuances of these elements and their impact on search engine visibility, webmasters can optimize their pages effectively and enhance their online presence.