AMP Canonical Points to Different Domain

Description

The canonical tag on this AMP page points to a different domain.

How to Fix

Update the canonical tag to point to the non-AMP version on the same domain.

Detailed Analysis

The issue of an AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) canonical pointing to a different domain is a significant SEO concern that can affect the visibility and ranking of web pages in search engine results. Let's delve into the details:

1. What Causes This Issue

The problem arises when the canonical link element on an AMP page directs search engines to a canonical URL on a different domain. This typically occurs due to:

• Misconfiguration or Errors: Incorrectly setting the canonical URL, either manually or through automated processes, can lead to pointing it to an external domain inadvertently.
• Content Syndication: When content is shared or syndicated across multiple domains, improper canonical setup can mistakenly direct canonical tags to non-original content.
• CMS or Plugin Issues: Content Management Systems (CMS) or plugins might be configured incorrectly, automatically setting canonical tags to a different domain.

2. Why It's Important

• SEO Equity: Canonical tags help consolidate duplicate or similar pages, ensuring that SEO value is not split among multiple URLs. An incorrect domain in a canonical tag can divert this equity to a different domain, potentially benefiting the wrong site.
• Indexing Control: Proper canonical tags ensure that search engines index the intended version of a page. Incorrect tagging can lead to indexing issues or unwanted pages being prioritized.
• User Experience: Ensuring users land on the intended domain is crucial for maintaining trust and improving user experience.

3. Best Practices to Prevent It

• Consistent Domain Use: Always verify that canonical tags refer to the correct domain, especially during content migrations or redesigns.
• CMS Configuration: Ensure that your CMS or any plugins are correctly configured to generate canonical tags for the appropriate domain.
• Regular Audits: Conduct regular SEO audits to identify and rectify any issues with canonical tags, especially after significant site changes.
• Manual Verification: For critical pages, manually check canonical tags to ensure they point to the correct domain.
• Syndication Protocols: When syndicating content, clearly distinguish original content with proper canonical tagging to avoid cross-domain issues.

4. Examples of Good and Bad Cases

Good Case:

• Domain Consistency: An AMP page on amp.example.com has a canonical tag pointing to www.example.com (assuming example.com is the main site).
  HTML

  <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.example.com/page-title">

  This setup correctly consolidates SEO value to the main domain, ensuring search engines recognize www.example.com as the original source.

Bad Case:

• Cross-domain Misconfiguration: An AMP page on amp.example.com mistakenly has a canonical tag pointing to www.otherdomain.com.
  HTML

  <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.otherdomain.com/page-title">

  This misconfiguration can lead to loss of SEO value for example.com, benefiting otherdomain.com instead.

By adhering to these guidelines and maintaining vigilant oversight of canonical tags, you can prevent common SEO pitfalls associated with AMP pages and ensure your site maintains its search engine visibility and authority.