5 replies to this topic

[Madasia]

I've read a number of posts on the forum and understand that search engines can read dynamic URLs but one of the main issues is that dynamic URLs many times produce duplicate pages with the same content. By reading this forum, I've determined the following solutions to help 1. determine if I have duplicate content and 2. help indexing of dynamic URL content:

- Determine if there are duplicate URLs with the same content


Solutions if there are duplicate URLs

- Rewrite dynamic URLs to static and 301 redirect appropriately
- Provide a link to the dynamic URL from a Static page
- Use Google Webmaster Tools to inform Google of parameters unnecessary for indexing.
- Use rel="canonical" to specify the canonical URL

I guess my questions are this:

1. How do I know for sure if a dynamic URL is not being indexed? Is it simply using site:ecommercesite.com/index.asp?=234234&attributevalue=kdfkj234
2. Are my solutions above correct? If so, which do you suggest?

The site in question adds this to their product page: filtersearch.asp?searchtype=RNeW&list=INKJ&url=Inkjet&showall=9w3d7p&attributevalue=Brand+Name&displayvalue=HP&attributevalue=Standard+Memory&displayvalue=32+MB

[Jill]

Can you get to the product page if you remove everything starting with "filtersearch"?

If so, then using the canonical link element and Google's webmaster tools parameter stuff would help (at least for Google).

[Madasia]

Yes, the individual product pages are setup as: web/details.asp?item=BH3455

Those appear to be indexed.

1. Are my "solutions" above correct?
2. Is there any other way to determine if a page is indexed in Google other than using the "site:" command or typing the URL into the search box?

Thanks!

[Jill]

You don't need all the solutions above. The filtersearch is likely an important element of your CMS for when people are filtering certain results. I'm not sure if redirecting and/or rewriting would be possible or recommended. But a good developer would know better.

[Madasia]

thanks for the tips.

Is there any other way to determine if a page is indexed in Google other than using the "site:" command or typing the URL into the search box?

[chrishirst]

thanks for the tips.

Is there any other way to determine if a page is indexed in Google other than using the "site:" command or typing the URL into the search box?

Check your site logs to see if "Googlebot" visits the page.