Google webmaster tools has released a new message alert service that will inform site owners when a particular URL doesn’t appear because Google identifies it as a duplication of a URL on another domain.
When multiple URLs are contained in the same content, site owners can specify to Google which version has been authorised. When the site owner doesn’t use the options to identify their preferences, Google may select a different version than the site owner favours.
The new feature will alert site owners when algorithms select an external URL instead of one from their website.
The alert facility is available in the message centre and site owners will only see it if their site has an issue, giving site owners an insight into why a certain page is not appearing in search results.
