Canonical tags pointing to HTTP versions on HTTPS sites can cause search engines to index the incorrect URL version, affecting SEO negatively.
Why Proper Protocol Matters
With a growing emphasis on web security, HTTPS has become the standard protocol. Canonical tags pointing to HTTP instead of HTTPS can undermine this, leading to potential security warnings and reduced user trust.
Diagnostic Approach
1. Detection: Identifying canonical tags pointing to HTTP versions on HTTPS sites.
2. Impact Assessment: Evaluating how canonicals affect search engine indexing and site security.
Resolving the Issue
1. Review and Update: Check all canonical tags on HTTPS pages and update them to HTTPS versions.
2. Template Configuration: Ensure that site-wide templates or rules are correctly configured to use HTTPS in canonical tags automatically.
3. Ongoing Monitoring: Regularly monitor canonical tags for protocol discrepancies as part of SEO audits.
Educational Resources
- HTTPS as a Ranking Signal: https://webmasters.googleblog.com/2014/08/https-as-ranking-signal.html
- Canonical Tags Best Practices: https://moz.com/learn/seo/canonicalization
Enhance Your Website's Security and SEO
Loud Interactive specializes in implementing best practices for both security and SEO, ensuring your website stays ahead in search engine rankings while maintaining user trust.
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