Google’s John Mueller mentioned (once more) that the Google URL Parameters instrument is horrifying. He mentioned this on Reddit, after which instructed the individual attempt to use noindex or robots.txt strategies as a substitute as a result of the Google Search Console experiences will present you points with noindex or robots.txt however probably not with the URL Parameters instrument.

The query on Reddit was “Is the subsequent logical step utilizing the the URL parameter instrument or noindex when Google retains indexing parameter urls, akin to “search?” and “kind?, although an XML sitemap and canonicals are in place?”

John replied “noindex or robots.txt. The URL parameter dealing with instrument is horrifying, I believe lots of people get it incorrect and shoot themselves within the foot. With robots.txt or noindex (each collectively do not make sense) at the least you see the impact in testing instruments.”

There are Googlers who would favor to take away the instrument (some SEOs as effectively) all collectively as a result of whenever you use it Google will take heed to it. We predict a model 2.0 of this instrument in some unspecified time in the future that’s anticipated to be “actually cool” however that was nearly two years in the past…

The instrument is just not within the new (unsure why I’m nonetheless calling it new) model of Google Search Console, you’ll be able to entry it over right here however watch out. Google does have this assist doc on that instrument.

The rationale I largely discourage the URL parameter instrument is that it is out of sight when engaged on the positioning. We repeatedly run into circumstances the place you set one thing there, neglect it, after which surprise why it is not working. No exterior instrument can discover/flag it. An excessive amount of magic, imo.

— 🐐 John 🐐 (@JohnMu) March 14, 2022

Discussion board dialogue at Twitter.