Restoring order in the Google Search Console configuration and canonical URL settings on a forum website can be complicated, especially if changes to URL settings have affected indexing of the site. This guide will analyze step by step how to fix problems with canonical URLs to allow for proper site indexing and AdSense account approval.
1. Understanding Canonical URLs Issues
Each page may be available under multiple URL addresses, such as with or without a www prefix (e.g., https://www.example.pl vs. https://example.pl). Google treats these URLs as separate if not properly configured. To avoid duplication issues, Google uses the canonical URL, which is the chosen main URL address for a website. Properly chosen canonical URLs help:
* Avoid content duplication problems
* Facilitate Google indexing of a website under one address
* Correctly integrate with tools like Google Search Console and AdSense
In your case, Google Search Console reports issues because changes to canonical URLs in the forum code and console have caused some confusion.
2. Checking Current Canonical URL Settings
First, check if current site settings are consistent. Make sure your forum uses one chosen URL, either with or without www.
Steps:
* Choose a main version – Decide whether your website will work with www or without it. This decision is crucial for maintaining link consistency.
* Set up in the forum code – In the admin panel or in the code (if you have access to configuration files), set the chosen canonical URL. Ensure it’s the same address used in Google Search Console.
* 301 Redirect – If your site will be accessible only through https://www, set a 301 redirect for the version without www to the chosen version (or vice versa). This automatically redirects both users and search engines to the chosen address, preventing duplication issues.
3. Configuring Google Search Console
After choosing a main URL, ensure all addresses in Google Search Console match this choice.
Steps:
* Add the correct domain version – In Google Search Console, add the URL version you chose as canonical (with or without www).
* Set the canonical URL in Search Console – In Google Search Console, go to settings and choose the main URL address (www or no www).
* Verification – Ensure the main version is verified in Google Search Console. If the version with or without www hasn’t been verified yet, perform the verification process.
4. Updating the Site Map (sitemap.xml)
After configuring the canonical URL, it’s a good idea to refresh the site map. The site map should include only chosen canonical addresses (e.g., all addresses with www or none).
Steps:
* Generate a new site map – Create or update an existing site map to ensure it includes only URLs with the chosen canonical version.
* Submit in Search Console – In Google Search Console, go to the Site Map section and submit the updated site map. Google will process new links and include them in indexing.
5. Verifying Canonical URL Correctness for Individual Pages
Google Search Console offers an “Inspect URL” tool that allows checking how Google sees a specific URL address, whether it’s indexed, and recognized as canonical. To check the correctness of canonical addresses:
Steps:
* Enter the URL into the Inspect URL tool – Use the Inspect URL tool in Google Search Console to check selected URLs.
* Check canonical indications – Ensure the address that Google recognizes as canonical is the same one you set as main. If discrepancies are found, correct forum code and review redirects and other settings.
6. Waiting for Re-Indexing and AdSense Update
After applying these changes, Google will need time to process the new site structure. Meanwhile, patience and regular monitoring of indexing status in Google Search Console are necessary.
Steps:
* Monitor indexing – Regularly check the indexing status of your site in Google Search Console. If the site is still “pending,” it means Google hasn’t completed processing yet.
* AdSense Status – Once Google processes the site and its canonical URLs, updating the AdSense account status should be possible. During this time, Google might delay ad approval until a consistent URL structure is recognized.
7. Diagnosing Indexing Errors
After changes, pay attention to potential errors or warnings that may appear in Google Search Console. Specifically:
* Duplication warnings – If Google still identifies duplicate addresses, consider setting canonical URLs more strictly or using additional redirects.
* Indexing errors – You might see indexing errors related to inaccessible URLs. Check if all pages are accessible under new canonical URLs and update the site map as necessary.
8. Alternative Solutions for Indexing Issues
If Google Search Console continues to struggle with indexing your site despite changes, try these methods:
Steps:
* Manually submitting URLs – In Google Search Console, you can manually submit URLs for indexing using the “Request Indexing” tool. This will help Google process changes faster.
* Using canonical verification tools – Use SEO tools like Ahrefs or Screaming Frog to identify additional canonical issues.
9. Conclusion
Canonical URL and indexing problems can be resolved by following these steps. Key is choosing one main URL, properly setting up Google Search Console, updating the site map and redirects, and monitoring indexing status. Once your site is correctly indexed, AdSense account approval should proceed smoothly. Regularly monitor and adapt to Google’s best practices to avoid similar issues in the future.
