Google has recently addressed a common question in the SEO community regarding sites with separate mobile URLs (m-dot): Should they switch to canonicalizing the mobile version now that Google indexes the mobile URL instead of the desktop one?
Key Points from Google's Advice
Maintain Current Setup: Google strongly recommends against changing existing canonical setups from desktop to mobile URLs.
Responsive Design Preferred: If possible, sites should work towards a responsive design that uses the same URLs for both mobile and desktop versions.
Challenges of Switching: Changing canonical links would create confusion, as some would point Mobile->Desktop and others Desktop->Mobile.
Technical Complications: Switching would require a new "link rel alternate desktop" and adjustments from all search engines.
Best Practice: Keep existing canonical setups as they are, since canonical links indicate equivalent content anyway.
Google emphasizes that while starting from scratch with mobile canonicals might make sense, switching an existing setup is complex and potentially problematic. The recommendation is to either maintain the current structure or transition to a responsive design for simplicity and better SEO management.
This guidance aims to help webmasters avoid potential issues with search engine indexing and maintain a clear, consistent canonical structure across their sites.
