Google only respects canonical tags if they are placed in the <head> section of the HTML. This rule is essential to prevent manipulation by bad actors, such as inserting improper canonical tags in user-generated content like comments, which could negatively impact indexation and crawling signals.
Key Points:
Canonical Tag Location: Google exclusively respects canonical tags placed within the
section of HTML.Security Measure: This rule prevents potential manipulation of canonical tags through user-generated content.
Indexation Impact: Incorrectly placed canonical tags can significantly affect a page's indexation and crawling signals.
To verify correct canonical tag placement:
- Open the target page in Chrome
- Right-click and select "Inspect" to access Developer Tools
- Search for "canonical" in the HTML
- Confirm that the element is within the "html head" section
Some webmasters have reported instances where Google ignores canonical tags due to their placement in the
tags instead of the section.This tip, attributed to Patrick Stox, underscores the importance of proper technical implementation in SEO strategies. Website owners and SEO professionals should audit their pages to ensure canonical tags are correctly positioned for optimal search engine recognition.
