13 Errors to Avoid with Canonical URL

Canonical URL SEO

The canonical URL is used to tell the engines what is the official URL of a page; This is useful in some cases to resolve duplicate content issues. But beware: misused, canonical URL can hurt your SEO!

Why is it necessary to monitor the canonical URL?


Since the time I do audits (2003!), I have encountered many kinds of errors with the canonical URL. I will summarize them here, which will save you from doing them too ...

Maybe you do not realize the large number of instances where a site contains errors at the canonical URL (which is not necessarily indicated via a URL, by the way).

13 Errors to Avoid with Canonical URL:


  1. The same URL is indicated as canonical for a very large number of pages on the site (yet having different contents)
  2. Several canonical URLs are indicated in string (A indicates B, which indicates C, etc.)
  3. A indicates B as canonical, but B redirects to A
  4. No canonical URL is specified for a page that is called with different URL parameters (eg utm_source and utm_medium, or "sort", "orderby", etc.)
  5. No canonical URL is specified on a non-responsive mobile site (for example, with m.example.com)
  6. A indicates B as the canonical URL, but B is in error 404 or forbids crawl (disallow in robots.txt) or indexing (meta robots noindex)
  7. The actual URL and the canonical URL indicated differ by a slash at the end (present or absent)
  8. The canonical URL is indicated in relative and not in absolute (begins with http), which is not a problem in itself, but sometimes the reconstructed URL is different or wrong
  9. The actual URL uses one or more uppercase letters but not the canonical URL (or vice versa)
  10. The actual URL uses URL rewriting but not the canonical URL (or the reverse)
  11. The canonical URL always corresponds to the URL consulted, without verification, whatever is added in the URL
  12. A indicates B as canonical, and B indicates A as canonical
  13. In case of pagination, on each URL (page 2, page 3, page 4 ...) one finds as canonical URL that of page 1

It does not look like anything, but by force it can really hurt your SEO, not only on Google for that matter.

Both check and correct if necessary! And do you know of other errors with the canonical URL?


The Ad Experience Report in Google Search Console

Google ad experience report
Google Ad Experience Report

Do you have too many ads on your site? Or ads degrading the user experience? Since June 2017, a report tells you in your Search Console account. Knowing that these ads will be blocked in 2018, get ready!

Google Search Console Ad Experience Report


What is the purpose of this "Ad Experience" report?


As of January 1, 2018, certain ads will be automatically blocked in Google Chrome, without the user having anything to install ( source ). In other words, Chrome will include an ad blocker!

This report will help you identify your pages that display advertisements that may be blocked by Chrome. If your site is concerned, you will see screenshots and even videos of ads that are problematic.

It's worth taking a look at, is not it?

Where can I find the advertising experience report?


Go to https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/ad-experience and choose the property you want to test. The drop-down menu is on the top right on a fixed computer, it lists the properties to which you have access.

You can also click on "Web Tools" in the left margin, once connected to your Search Console account, for the site of your choice.

Then click on "Computer" or "Mobile" to access the results.

Here is what it gives in image:
Google ad experience report
Google Ad Experience Report


Note: it is possible that your site has not yet been analyzed, in this case you will only receive the message "Status: not examined". So we will have to wait and consult the report another day ...

Definition of the Advertising Experience


The advertising experience is defined by several elements:
  • The presentation of the site
  • The behavior of the site
  • The content and ads your users are exposed to

It can be a direct result of trafficking (creating and displaying) creatives on your pages (for example, automatic video ad play with sound).

It may also depend on how ads are embedded in your site (eg, high ad density on mobile devices).

Inventory of the Advertising Experience on your Site


Google conducts reviews to verify that ad experiences are likely to cause inconvenience to your users.

If they are found several times, they will be listed in this report.

Reports are grouped by root domain, including all subdomains and directories. If your root domain is example.com, the report contains the ad experiences of www.example.com, actualites.example.com, example.com/finances, and so on.

To review the ad experiences on your site, Google takes into account your main region of broadcast. This region corresponds to the geographical area from which the majority of visitors come. Internet users in each country may have their own preferences for advertising experience. However, the data suggest that there are groups of countries with similar preferences. Each major dissemination region has one or more countries assumed to have similar preferences in terms of advertising experience. For now there are 2 regions:

  • Region A: United States and Canada
  • Region B: Europe

How do I know if my Ads will be Blocked by Chrome?


Look at the filtering status of the ads on your site, it may correspond to the following values:

  1. Disabled : Chrome does not filter ads on your site.
  2. Enabled : Regardless of the region in which they are located, users browsing your pages with the Chrome browser do not see the ads that are showing. You must resolve non-compliance issues and submit your site for review.
  3. Paused : Ad filtering in Chrome is paused during review of your site.
  4. Pending : The status of your site is "Failed". Ad filtering will take place in the future. We will send an e-mail to users and registered site owners at least 30 calendar days before the start of ad filtering. To avoid this filtering, troubleshoot non-compliance issues and submit your site for review.

Google Warns Before Blocking Ads?


Yes Fortunately !
  1. Initially, no ads are blocked.
  2. If you identify bad advertising experience on your site, Google will send you a warning . The ads are not yet blocked.
  3. If 30 days after the notification your site is not corrected, Google considers it a failure and Chrome will start blocking your ads.

How do I Request a Review of the Site?


If you think you have corrected the issue, please visit this support page for Google .

Which Pubs are Deemed Immediately Harmful?


Adverse advertising experiences are particularly misleading or abusive.

Definition: An advertising experience is considered harmful if it meets one of the following conditions ( source ):

  1. It uses malicious or unwanted software that can be installed on the user's computer.
  2. It leads to a phishing attempt.
  3. It aims to trick the user into inciting him to download software (malicious or not), or to install malicious or unwanted software.
  4. It causes an automatic redirection without intervention of the user.
  5. It involves components that are confusing (such as a close button that does not close the ad, but clicks on it or returns to another content).
  6. It has deceptive content intended to trap the Internet user. For example, the ad may appear to be a system message, such as an update button.

Which Ads Annoy the most Users?


According to the Coalition for Better Ads study, respondents indicated the following 3 types of ads:

  • Advertisements that interrupt : When you arrive on a press article, an announcement forces you to wait ten seconds before you can read it. Advertisements that disrupt the flow of information - especially on mobile devices - are generally considered the most boring by consumers. The study shows that 74% of mobile users find that ads that interrupt access to content (such as pop-ups) are extremely or very annoying.
  • Advertisements that distract : It only takes a few seconds for people to decide if your site is worth their time. Flashing animations and commercials that automatically play a sound distract people during these first critical seconds. In the end, these ads could cause them to abandon your site. These experiments are extremely disruptive on both fixed and mobile computers.
  • Disruptive ads : When a page is cluttered with commercials, it takes more time to load, making it more difficult for people to find what they are looking for. On mobile, a high density display slows down strongly, which degrades the user experience.

Advertisements to Avoid on Mobile


Mobile browsing is a matter of speed and convenience. To avoid annoying or even irritating mobile users, avoid anything that can hinder or deconcentrate the consultation of the content. Especially that the screen is not that big!

Ads to Avoid on Computer


On desktops, users like to control their experience, so the obstacles that prevent them from controlling the flow of information at their own pace are unacceptable.

3 Golden Rules for a Better user Experience:


  1. Be immediate : people are more likely to engage when ads are quick and do not slow down content. For example, using the system GPA , advertisements AMP offer a more effective way to build, serve and measure adaptable ads ( responsive ). With ads loaded 6 times faster, Time Inc. measured 13% greater visibility and increased eCPM and CTR .
  2. Be immersive : Advertising experiences that blend perfectly with a user's content experience are less likely to bother them. Native advertising offers the ability to show ads that match the form and function of your site's content. The responsive native ads can even adapt to all types of devices and screens. The New York Times measured a CTR multiplied by 6 and visibility impressions multiplied by 4 with native ads compared to comparable standard banners.
  3. Be relevant : programmatic technology allows advertisers and publishers to publish more relevant ads based on consumer interests, which helps them stay more committed to your site.

What's Your Opinion About Google Ad Experience Report?

Google My Business Released Website Builder To All Countries

GMB Website Builder

Google Business Websites are currently being rolled out globally by Google My Business. The new Google business websites are completely free and available to all businesses that have a verified Google business page. The Google business website is a single page, mobile friendly site with business information being extracted directly from the Google business listing to the website.

Available for Google My Business users, this new feature will provide templated, editable websites for SMBs created from their data and photos on Google Maps. The tech giant makes use of small businesses listing to build the website, taking care of the design and makes sure that their website is easily found in Search and Maps.

According to Google, the websites created with ‘Website With Google My Business’ tool will help businesses connect more easily with their customers and guide them on what exactly they want them to do next, like maybe call their business, book an appointment, or even sign up for mailing list to remain updated on all the latest products/services that the business comes up with.

As part of the website builder tool, Google even gifts the businesses their own free domain or they also have the option of buying a domain of their own choice with Google Domains right from ‘Google My Business’.

What is Google Business Websites?


Google Business websites are free single page, mobile friendly websites for businesses. A Google business website is only available to businesses that have a Google business page. If you do not have a Google business listing you can start here. If your business has an unclaimed listing, you will need to claim the business listing to gain access.

You will be eligible for the website as soon as you have created the business listing, even whilst waiting for verification, however if the listing gets suspended, then the website will be 404’d.

What Google My Business Website Builder Offer You?

  • Custom domain name
  • It's mobile friendly
  • Drives calls and visits
  • Automatically updates
  • You can manage it on your mobile phone
  • You can easily place ads on them

How to Create a Business Website with Google My Business Website Builder?


Your Google business website can be up and running is seven pain free steps. The main parts of the site are auto populated based on information already available in the Google business page, with the only real functionality being Images, Headline, Subheading and Body Copy.
  • Log into your Google My Business Dashboard
  • Manage Location
  • Select Website in Main Menu
  • Select Theme
  • Header Image Extracted from Owner Photos
  • Text Edit – Headline, Description, Summary Header, Summary Body
  • Add Photos for Footer Images
  • Settings – Create Domain Name
  • Publish

Is Google Business Websites SEO Friendly?


The Free Google Website builder for GMB does not offer any real “SEO” optimization features at the moment. The intention behind the Google My Business website was to allow small businesses in developing countries the chance to create a simple, single page, mobile friendly website, that users could find out more about the business then the Google business page provided.

Depending on how this new google tool received by businesses globally, will depend on how Google develops their My Business Website builder.

Connect To Job Seekers With Google Search

Connect To Job Seekers With Google Search

At Google I/O this year, Google announced Google for Jobs, a new company-wide initiative focused on helping both job seekers and employers, through collaboration with the job matching industry. One major part of this effort is launching an improved experience for job seekers on Google Search. We’re happy to announce this new experience is now open for all developers and site owners.

For queries with clear intent like [head of catering jobs in nyc] or [entry level jobs in DC], we’ll show a job listings preview, and each job can expand to display comprehensive details about the listing:
Connect To Job Seekers With Google Search

For employers or site owners with job content, this feature brings many benefits:

  • Prominent place in Search results: your postings are eligible to be displayed in the in the new job search feature on Google, featuring your logo, reviews, ratings, and job details.
  • More, motivated applicants: job seekers can filter by various criteria like location or job title, meaning you’re more likely to get applicants who are looking exactly for that job.
  • Increased chances of discovery and conversion: job seekers will have a new avenue to interact with your postings and click through to your site.

Get Your Job Listings on Google

Implementation involves two steps:
  1. Mark up your job listings with Job Posting structured data.
  2. Submit a sitemap (or an RSS or Atom feed) with a <lastmod> date for each listing.

If you have more than 100,000 job postings or more than 10,000 changes per day, you can express interest to use the High Change Rate feature.

If you already publish your job openings on another site like LinkedIn, Monster, DirectEmployers, CareerBuilder, Glassdoor, and Facebook, they are eligible to appear in the feature as well.

Job search is an enriched search experience. Google created a dedicated guide to help you understand how Google ranking works for enriched search and practices for improving your presence

Keep Track of How You’re Doing and Fix Issues


There’s a suite of tools to help you with the implementation:

In the coming weeks, Google will add new job listings filters in the Search Analytics report in Search Console, so you can track clicks and impressions for your listings.

Google spoke to hundreds of people before launching this search vertical.

“I’m personally enthusiastic for this initiative because it addresses an important need and taps our core capabilities as a company from searching and organizing information to A.I. and machine learning,” said Sundar Pichai Chief Executive Officer of Google.

Why Should You Attend This June's Local Business Marketing Summit?

local business marketing summit 2017


All Digital Marketers and Local Business Owners are invited to participate in a free two-day Online Local Business Marketing Summit being sponsored by the Colorado-based Local Marketing Institute.
On June 27-28, 2017, the Local Business Marketing Summit will kick off – it’s a FREE two-day online event designed specifically for local businesses who want to jump start their marketing efforts.

Scheduled presenters include more than a dozen digital-marketing experts who have been regular contributors to “Forbes” magazine, Google My Business, Moz, Search Engine Land, Social Media Examiner, SMX and “The Wall Street Journal,” according to a press release.

Speakers For The June 27-28 Local Business Marketing Summit

  1. Eric Shanfelt
    Founder and CEO of Local Marketing Institute
  2. Myles Anderson
    CEO of BrightLocal, Search Engine Land Contributor
  3. Bernadette Coleman
    CEO of Advice Local, Contributor to Search Engine Land, Forbes
  4. Sean Daily
    Founder / Lead Strategist at Social Media Ninjas
  5. Chris Davis
    Director of Education for ActiveCampaign, Former Head of Mkt Automation at Leadpages
  6. Lissa Duty
    Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of Rocks Digital, Social Media Trainer and Author
  7. Joy Hawkins
    President of Sterling Sky, Google My Business Top Contributor, SMX , Search Engine Land
  8. Collin Holmes
    CEO of Chatmeter, Former VP of Product Management and Marketing for V-ENABLE
  9. Laurie Macomber
    President of Blue Skies Marketing, Local, SEO, and Content Marketing Expert
  10. Marcus Miller
    Digital Strategist at BowlerHat, Moz and Search Engine Land Contributor
  11. Phil Rozek
    Owner of Local Visibility System, Local Search Ranking Factors Contributor
  12. Conrad Saam
    GM of Mockingbird Marketing, Former Director of Marketing for both UrbanSpoon and Avvo
  13. Dennis Yu
    Chief Technology Officer of BlitzMetrics, Contributor for WSJ and Social Media Examiner
  14. Phil Nicolosi


The Local Business Marketing Summit takes place Tuesday and Wednesday, June 27-28, and will feature 18 video sessions from some of the most well-respected local marketing experts in the world. The subject matter of the sessions will be centered around six themes: social media; local search engine optimization; online ratings and reviews; your website; email marketing; and online advertising.

The Local Marketing Institute was founded by CEO Eric Shanfelt, who has more than 25 years experience in digital marketing. His background includes serving as senior vice president of digital for Penton Media and HarperCollins. The goal of his company, he says, is to teach businesses, marketers and developers how to successfully market a local business online.

The two-day summit would normally be nearly $500, but Shanfelt is extending a special offer to Sign & Digital Graphics readers to enjoy all 18 video sessions free of charge. Click HERE to get your free pass.

What You'll Learn From Local Business Marketing Summit?

  • The Local SEO Checklist 2017
  • How To Get the Most from Your Google My Business Listing
  • Social Media Tactics That Actually Work
  • Digital Advertising 101 for Local Businesses
  • A Complete Local Business Digital Marketing Strategy
  • Tips and Tricks to Build Email List
  • Marketing Automation
  • About Paid Local Listing Service
  • Content that Works Well for Web, Email and Social Media
  • Anatomy of a Well-Designed Local Business Website
  • How to Get the Most From Your Local Business Facebook Page
  • Which Local Business Review Sites Work Best for You?
  • Keys to Successful Facebook Local Advertising
  • How to Get More Reviews for Your Local Business?
  • Keys to Successful Google Local Advertising