During the podcast, Illyes suggested that Google is exploring new ways to handle URL parameters. Among the possible solutions, he mentioned the stricter use of robots.txt files, which could be configured to ignore certain URL parameters during crawling.
Additionally, Google may be developing more sophisticated algorithms to identify and filter redundant URLs, saving resources and improving crawling efficiency.
Another suggestion discussed was the need for better communication from website owners regarding the structure of their URLs. This could include clear guidelines on which parameters are essential and which can be ignored without compromising the integrity of the content.
Illyes also highlighted the flexibility of using robots.txt, suggesting that with the right settings, it is possible to guide crawlers more efficiently, avoiding overloading them with unnecessary URLs.
Implications for SEO and best practices
The discussion of URL parameters has important part time data implications for SEO. Sites that don’t properly manage their parameters can end up wasting crawl budget, a finite resource that Google allocates to each site.
This can result in incomplete indexing, where critical pages are not crawled or indexed, harming the site's visibility in search results.
Companies that operate large websites, especially those in the e-commerce sector, should reconsider how they structure their URLs. This could include minimizing the use of parameters or adopting strategies such as using canonical tags to indicate which version of the page should be prioritized in search results.
Additionally, continually reviewing your site's architecture and implementing SEO practices that facilitate crawling can ensure that Google's resources are utilized as efficiently as possible. This will help you maximize your visibility and performance in search results while remaining competitive in the marketplace.