What Makes the Google URL Parameters Tool Scary?

Google’s Senior Webmaster Trends Analyst John Mueller recently shared his thoughts about one of the most powerful Google SEO tools – the URL Parameters tool. He described it as one of the scariest features available on Google Search Console. Mueller took to Reddit to reiterate his warning about this Google SEO tool, which can create a lot of chaos for webmasters if not used correctly.

Mueller’s advice? Try using the noindex and robots.txt directives as an alternative to get an accurate picture of how a website is performing on Google search.

A question posted on Reddit asked whether it is better to utilise the URL parameters tool or noindex to get Google to stop indexing parameter URLs, such as “search?” and “sort”, even though XML sitemap and canonicals are present.

To this, Mueller says noindex or robots.txt is better as the URL parameter tool can be scary. He also suspects that many site owners get this wrong and end up shooting themselves in the foot. According to him, with robots.txt or noindex, the impact in testing tools can at least be observed.

There are Google users (as well as some SEOs) who want to get rid of the tool altogether because, when the tool is used, the search engine listens to it. Mueller said that they expected an improved 2.0 version of the tool to get released at some point, but almost two years had already passed since.

He added that those looking for a tool, which is no longer available in the most recent version of Google Search Console, can still access it from them. However, Mueller warns site owners to proceed with caution and to consult Google’s user guide for this tool.

More on Google Search URL Parameters

Google Search URL parameters refer to a set of values that users include in the website address. Googlers can use them to specify the type of information they want to see, the language they want their results in, and so on.

These begin with a question mark and can be combined in different ways. Each parameter consists of a key=value pair, and multiple parameters are separated by the ampersand (&).

Google URL parameters are produced according to the user’s specifications, and they improve a website’s technical performance by using various settings in Search Console to address the following website technical issues, including:

• User identification, filling online shopping carts, and facilitating work sessions.
• Tracking conversions on landing pages.
• Internal search on a website.
• Filtering products in online store pages.
• Arranging items according to brand, popularity, or price.
• Multi-page content and directories pagination.
• Presenting various versions of a page, based on the language or location of the user.

Looking at it from a Google SEO standpoint, the GET parameters have a wide range of applications. They make it a lot easier to search Google or type in a URL when employing third-party resources. This can come in handy when trying to find new websites to expand a website’s search presence, parsing out search queries, or analysing the media strategies of competitors.

Analysing how URL parameters are created and used is important for having an effective website. It helps with indexing, prevents duplicate pages, and makes it easier for users to find what they’re looking for.

URL parameters are a big part of how websites are structured, and understanding how they work is crucial for enhanced user insight.

Functions that can be Performed Using Google Search Parameters

Google SEO tools like the URL parameters tool can be used to perform a variety of tasks. Here are some of the most popular and useful tasks they can perform:

Recognise Indexing Errors

There will always be a risk that Google will index pages on a website incorrectly. This can be checked using the operator “site:”

It also makes sense that all non-working, technical, or duplicate pages are excluded from indexing.

Check Duplicate Content

Product descriptions with duplicates can harm the search reputation of eCommerce websites. Thus, users can apply search operators to check and see if their descriptions are being duplicated by a competitor’s site. This is a useful feature for blog owners to have as it allows them to prevent others from plagiarising their articles without giving credit or backlinks.

Check Unwanted Pages or Files

As time goes by, websites can end up with a lot of excess files. It’s easy to forget what has been uploaded a few months or even a year ago. Just as a closet must be decluttered occasionally, a website’s library needs to be cleaned out from time to time, as well. Some documents might become unrelated, while others may not be meant for public viewing. These need to be removed from the index.

Maximise the Functions of Google Search Parameters for Better SEO

Google is a great search engine with many powerful features that help you find the information you need. In addition to the basic search, you can also use advanced search parameters to get more specific results. We at position1seo.co.uk are well-versed in the use of SEO tools to help rank on Google, and we can apply our expertise to your website to make it more visible to your users.

At Position1SEO, we understand that search parameters are a powerful way to focus and limit searches. We also get that most users don’t know how to use them to their full potential. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help so that your site can get the rankings it deserves.

We offer a wide range of services that allow you to improve your web presence and dominate your market. Our services include Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Pay Per Click (PPC) Management, Social Media Marketing, Conversion Rate Optimisation and more.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding website SEO. Call us on 0141 404 7515 or write an email to jason@position1seo.com for additional information on our services.