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Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels

Learn how to fix funnel URL indexing issues in GHL Customer Care, remove random numbers from URLs, update paths, add canonical tags, and use redirects.

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  1. Key Benefits of Fixing Funnel URL Indexing Issues
  2. Removing Random Numbers from Funnel URLs
  3. How to Fix It
  4. Understanding Funnel URLs and Funnel Step URLs
  5. Using Canonical Tags for Preferred Funnel URLs
  6. How to Add a Canonical Tag
  7. Using 301 Redirects for Changed Funnel URLs
  8. Checking Google Search Console After Updates
  9. Avoiding Accidental Noindex Tags
  10. Frequently Asked Questions
  11. Related Articles

Funnel URL indexing issues can happen when search engines discover duplicate or unexpected URL variations for the same funnel page. This may include random numbers being added to funnel URLs, Google indexing a non-preferred URL, or duplicate paths appearing in Google Search Console. This guide explains how to clean up funnel URLs, choose unique page paths, use canonical tags, and apply redirects when needed in GHL Customer Care.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is URL Indexing in Funnels?

URL indexing is the process search engines use to discover, crawl, and store funnel page URLs so they can appear in search results. Clean and consistent funnel URLs help search engines understand which page should be treated as the preferred version. In GHL Customer Care, funnels can include a funnel-level URL and individual step URLs, so it is important to keep paths unique and organized.

URL indexing issues may appear when:

  • A funnel URL has random numbers added to the end
  • Google indexes a URL variation instead of the preferred URL
  • Multiple versions of the same funnel page are accessible
  • A funnel path conflicts with another page or funnel step
  • A redirect or canonical tag is missing or configured incorrectly

Key Benefits of Fixing Funnel URL Indexing Issues

Clean funnel URLs make it easier for visitors and search engines to understand where each page belongs. Resolving URL conflicts also helps prevent duplicate content signals and keeps reporting in tools like Google Search Console easier to review.

  1. Cleaner URLs: Remove unnecessary random numbers from funnel URLs when the page path can be made unique.
  2. Improved SEO clarity: Help search engines identify the preferred version of a funnel page.
  3. Better Tracking Accuracy: Reduce confusion when reviewing funnel URLs in Google Search Console or analytics tools.
  4. Stronger Visitor Experience: Keep shared links clean, readable, and easier to recognize.
  5. Reduced Duplicate URL Conflicts: Prevent multiple pages or funnel steps from competing for the same path.

Removing Random Numbers from Funnel URLs

Removing Random Numbers from Funnel URLs (video 1) Open in a new tab

Random numbers are usually added to a funnel URL when the page path is already being used by another page or funnel step on the same domain. GHL Customer Care automatically adds a unique number string to help prevent duplicate URL conflicts.

How to Fix It

  1. Go to Sites. Open Funnels.
    Step 1 of 8: Go to Sites. Open Funnels What this shows Step 1 of 8: Go to Sites. What this shows Shows where to go for step 1 of 8 in the "How to Fix It" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 8 in the "How to Fix It" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". At this point in the walkthrough you go to Sites. Open Funnels. For context, this section explains: Go to Sites. Open Funnels. Select the affected funnel. Select the funnel step where the random numbers are appearing. Open the funnel step settings. Locate the Path field. Enter a unique path that is not already being used on the same domain. Save your changes. Once the path is updated, the random…. The next step is to select the affected funnel. Step 1 of 8Image 1 of 10 Where to goGo to Sites. Open Funnels. Next stepSelect the affected funnel.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Sites. Open Funnels. this image
    2. Select the affected funnel.
    3. Select the funnel step where the random numbers are appearing.
    4. Open the funnel step settings.
    5. Locate the Path field.
    6. Enter a unique path that is not already being used on the same domain.
    7. Save your changes.
    8. Once the path is updated, the random numbers should no longer appear at the end of the funnel URL.
  2. Select the affected funnel.
  3. Select the funnel step where the random numbers are appearing.
    Step 3 of 8: Select the funnel step where the random numbers are appearing What this shows Step 3 of 8: Select the funnel step where the random numbers are appearing. What this shows Shows what to choose for step 3 of 8 in the "How to Fix It" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 8 in the "How to Fix It" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". At this point in the walkthrough you select the funnel step where the random numbers are appearing. The next step is to open the funnel step settings. Step 3 of 8Image 2 of 10 What to chooseSelect the funnel step where the random numbers are appearing. Next stepOpen the funnel step settings.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Sites. Open Funnels.
    2. Select the affected funnel.
    3. Select the funnel step where the random numbers are appearing. this image
    4. Open the funnel step settings.
    5. Locate the Path field.
    6. Enter a unique path that is not already being used on the same domain.
    7. Save your changes.
    8. Once the path is updated, the random numbers should no longer appear at the end of the funnel URL.
  4. Open the funnel step settings.
  5. Locate the Path field.
    Step 5 of 8: Locate the Path field What this shows Step 5 of 8: Locate the Path field. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 5 of 8 in the "How to Fix It" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". This screenshot accompanies step 5 of 8 in the "How to Fix It" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". At this point in the walkthrough you locate the Path field. For context, this section explains: Go to Sites. Open Funnels. Select the affected funnel. Select the funnel step where the random numbers are appearing. Open the funnel step settings. Locate the Path field. Enter a unique path that is not already being used on the same domain. Save your changes. Once the path is updated, the random…. The next step is to enter a unique path that is not already being used on the same domain. Step 5 of 8Image 3 of 10 What this coversLocate the Path field. Next stepEnter a unique path that is not already being used on the same domain.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Sites. Open Funnels.
    2. Select the affected funnel.
    3. Select the funnel step where the random numbers are appearing.
    4. Open the funnel step settings.
    5. Locate the Path field. this image
    6. Enter a unique path that is not already being used on the same domain.
    7. Save your changes.
    8. Once the path is updated, the random numbers should no longer appear at the end of the funnel URL.
  6. Enter a unique path that is not already being used on the same domain.
  7. Save your changes.
    Step 7 of 8: Save your changes What this shows Step 7 of 8: Save your changes. What this shows Shows how to confirm for step 7 of 8 in the "How to Fix It" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". This screenshot accompanies step 7 of 8 in the "How to Fix It" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". At this point in the walkthrough you save your changes. For context, this section explains: Go to Sites. Open Funnels. Select the affected funnel. Select the funnel step where the random numbers are appearing. Open the funnel step settings. Locate the Path field. Enter a unique path that is not already being used on the same domain. Save your changes. Once the path is updated, the random…. The next step is to once the path is updated, the random numbers should no longer appear at the end of the funnel URL. Step 7 of 8Image 4 of 10 How to confirmSave your changes. Next stepOnce the path is updated, the random numbers should no longer appear at the end of the funnel URL.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Sites. Open Funnels.
    2. Select the affected funnel.
    3. Select the funnel step where the random numbers are appearing.
    4. Open the funnel step settings.
    5. Locate the Path field.
    6. Enter a unique path that is not already being used on the same domain.
    7. Save your changes. this image
    8. Once the path is updated, the random numbers should no longer appear at the end of the funnel URL.
  8. Once the path is updated, the random numbers should no longer appear at the end of the funnel URL.
Important: Each page path should be unique on the same domain. If two funnel steps, website pages, or other published pages use the same path, GHL Customer Care may adjust the URL to prevent a conflict.

Understanding Funnel URLs and Funnel Step URLs

Funnels can have multiple URL levels, and each level affects how visitors and search engines access the funnel. Understanding the difference helps prevent path conflicts and makes it easier to troubleshoot indexing issues.

A funnel may include:

Funnel URL: The main URL assigned to the funnel. This usually loads the first step in the funnel.

Step URL: The URL assigned to an individual funnel step or page.

Nested Path: A deeper URL path used to organize pages, funnels, e-commerce pages, or webinars.

GHL Customer Care’s Funnel Paths article explains that funnel URLs and step URLs are separate path levels, which is why changing one path may not automatically update every URL in the funnel.

Using Canonical Tags for Preferred Funnel URLs

Canonical tags tell search engines which URL should be treated as the preferred version when duplicate or similar URLs exist. They do not redirect visitors or change the URL shown in the browser.

Use a canonical tag when multiple URL versions remain accessible but one should be treated as the main version for search engines.

Example Canonical Tag:

<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.example.com/preferred-page-url" />

How to Add a Canonical Tag

  1. Go to Sites. Open Funnels.
    Step 1 of 8: Go to Sites. Open Funnels What this shows Step 1 of 8: Go to Sites. What this shows Shows where to go for step 1 of 8 in the "How to Add a Canonical Tag" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 8 in the "How to Add a Canonical Tag" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". At this point in the walkthrough you go to Sites. Open Funnels. For context, this section explains: Go to Sites. Open Funnels. Select the affected funnel. Click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings. Open SEO Meta Data. Locate the custom meta tags area. Add the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL. Save your changes. Custom meta tags can be added to GHL Customer Care funnels and…. The next step is to select the affected funnel. Step 1 of 8Image 5 of 10 Where to goGo to Sites. Open Funnels. Next stepSelect the affected funnel.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Sites. Open Funnels. this image
    2. Select the affected funnel.
    3. Click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings.
    4. Open SEO Meta Data.
    5. Locate the custom meta tags area.
    6. Add the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL.
    7. Save your changes.
    8. Custom meta tags can be added to GHL Customer Care funnels and websites through the SEO metadata/custom meta tag area.
  2. Select the affected funnel.
  3. Click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings.
    Step 3 of 8: Click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings What this shows Step 3 of 8: Click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings. What this shows Shows what to click for step 3 of 8 in the "How to Add a Canonical Tag" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 8 in the "How to Add a Canonical Tag" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". At this point in the walkthrough you click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings. The next step is to open SEO Meta Data. Step 3 of 8Image 6 of 10 What to clickClick on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings. Next stepOpen SEO Meta Data.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Sites. Open Funnels.
    2. Select the affected funnel.
    3. Click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings. this image
    4. Open SEO Meta Data.
    5. Locate the custom meta tags area.
    6. Add the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL.
    7. Save your changes.
    8. Custom meta tags can be added to GHL Customer Care funnels and websites through the SEO metadata/custom meta tag area.
    Step 3 of 8: Click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings What this shows Step 3 of 8: Click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings. What this shows Shows what to click for step 3 of 8 in the "How to Add a Canonical Tag" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 8 in the "How to Add a Canonical Tag" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". At this point in the walkthrough you click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings. The next step is to open SEO Meta Data. Step 3 of 8Image 7 of 10 What to clickClick on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings. Next stepOpen SEO Meta Data.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Sites. Open Funnels.
    2. Select the affected funnel.
    3. Click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings. this image
    4. Open SEO Meta Data.
    5. Locate the custom meta tags area.
    6. Add the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL.
    7. Save your changes.
    8. Custom meta tags can be added to GHL Customer Care funnels and websites through the SEO metadata/custom meta tag area.
  4. Open SEO Meta Data.
  5. Locate the custom meta tags area.

    Step 5 of 8: Locate the custom meta tags area What this shows Step 5 of 8: Locate the custom meta tags area. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 5 of 8 in the "How to Add a Canonical Tag" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". This screenshot accompanies step 5 of 8 in the "How to Add a Canonical Tag" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". At this point in the walkthrough you locate the custom meta tags area. For context, this section explains: Go to Sites. Open Funnels. Select the affected funnel. Click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings. Open SEO Meta Data. Locate the custom meta tags area. Add the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL. Save your changes. Custom meta tags can be added to GHL Customer Care funnels and…. The next step is to add the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL. Step 5 of 8Image 8 of 10 What this coversLocate the custom meta tags area. Next stepAdd the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Sites. Open Funnels.
    2. Select the affected funnel.
    3. Click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings.
    4. Open SEO Meta Data.
    5. Locate the custom meta tags area. this image
    6. Add the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL.
    7. Save your changes.
    8. Custom meta tags can be added to GHL Customer Care funnels and websites through the SEO metadata/custom meta tag area.
  6. Add the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL.

    Step 6 of 8: Add the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL What this shows Step 6 of 8: Add the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 6 of 8 in the "How to Add a Canonical Tag" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". This screenshot accompanies step 6 of 8 in the "How to Add a Canonical Tag" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". At this point in the walkthrough you add the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL. The next step is to save your changes. Step 6 of 8Image 9 of 10 What this coversAdd the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL. Next stepSave your changes.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Sites. Open Funnels.
    2. Select the affected funnel.
    3. Click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings.
    4. Open SEO Meta Data.
    5. Locate the custom meta tags area.
    6. Add the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL. this image
    7. Save your changes.
    8. Custom meta tags can be added to GHL Customer Care funnels and websites through the SEO metadata/custom meta tag area.
  7. Save your changes.

    Step 7 of 8: Save your changes What this shows Step 7 of 8: Save your changes. What this shows Shows how to confirm for step 7 of 8 in the "How to Add a Canonical Tag" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". This screenshot accompanies step 7 of 8 in the "How to Add a Canonical Tag" section of "Troubleshooting URL Indexing Issues in Funnels". At this point in the walkthrough you save your changes. For context, this section explains: Go to Sites. Open Funnels. Select the affected funnel. Click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings. Open SEO Meta Data. Locate the custom meta tags area. Add the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL. Save your changes. Custom meta tags can be added to GHL Customer Care funnels and…. The next step is to custom meta tags can be added to GHL Customer Care funnels and websites through the SEO metadata/custom meta tag area. Step 7 of 8Image 10 of 10 How to confirmSave your changes. Next stepCustom meta tags can be added to GHL Customer Care funnels and websites through the SEO metadata/custom meta tag area.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Sites. Open Funnels.
    2. Select the affected funnel.
    3. Click on Edit and Navigate to the SEO Settings.
    4. Open SEO Meta Data.
    5. Locate the custom meta tags area.
    6. Add the canonical tag using the preferred funnel page URL.
    7. Save your changes. this image
    8. Custom meta tags can be added to GHL Customer Care funnels and websites through the SEO metadata/custom meta tag area.
  8. Custom meta tags can be added to GHL Customer Care funnels and websites through the SEO metadata/custom meta tag area.

Using 301 Redirects for Changed Funnel URLs

A 301 redirect sends visitors and search engines from an old URL to a new URL. This is useful when a funnel URL has changed and the old URL should no longer be used.

Use a 301 redirect when:

The old URL should automatically send visitors to the new URL

A funnel page path has changed

Existing links, ads, or shared URLs still point to the old path

You want to avoid visitors landing on an outdated or unavailable page

GHL Customer Care provides URL redirects under Sites > URL Redirects.

Canonical Tag vs. 301 Redirect

Use a canonical tag when multiple URLs are still accessible, but search engines should treat one as preferred.

Use a 301 redirect when visitors should automatically be sent from the old URL to the new URL.

Checking Google Search Console After Updates

Google Search Console helps confirm which URL Google has discovered, crawled, and selected for indexing. After changing a funnel path, adding a canonical tag, or creating a redirect, Google may need time to recrawl the page and update search results.

Recommended Steps:

  • Open Google Search Console.
  • Use the URL Inspection Tool.
  • Enter the preferred funnel URL.
  • Review the indexed URL and canonical URL information.
  • Request indexing for the preferred URL, if needed.

GHL Customer Care can help configure funnel URLs, redirects, and custom tags, but Google controls when pages are crawled and updated in search results.

Avoiding Accidental Noindex Tags

Noindex tags tell search engines not to index a page. These tags should only be used when you intentionally want a funnel or website page to stay out of search results.

Do not add a noindex tag while troubleshooting a funnel URL that should appear in search results. GHL Customer Care has a separate article for disabling search engine indexing with custom tags, which is a different use case from fixing URL indexing issues.

Example Noindex Tag:

<meta name="robots" content="noindex">

Only use this when the page should not appear in search results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are random numbers appearing at the end of my funnel URL?

A: This usually means the path is already being used by another page or funnel step on the same domain. GHL Customer Care adds a unique number string to prevent duplicate URL conflicts.

Q: How do I remove random numbers from a funnel URL?

A: Open the affected funnel step, locate the Path field, and enter a unique path that is not already being used on the same domain. Save the changes.

Q: Can GHL Customer Care force Google to index a specific URL?

A: No. GHL Customer Care can help you configure paths, redirects, and canonical tags, but Google controls crawling and indexing.

Q: How long does it take Google to update an indexed URL?

A: Timing varies. After making updates, use Google Search Console’s URL Inspection Tool to request indexing for the preferred URL.

Q: Should I use a canonical tag or a redirect?

A: Use a canonical tag when multiple URLs remain accessible but one should be preferred by search engines. Use a 301 redirect when visitors should automatically be sent from an old URL to a new URL.

Q: Will changing a funnel path break existing links?

A: Existing links that use the old path may stop working unless a redirect is created. Add a 301 redirect if the old URL is already being used in ads, emails, social posts, or other shared links.

Q: Do www and non-www versions matter?

A: Yes. Search engines may treat www.example.com/page and example.com/page as separate URL versions. Use consistent domain formatting and canonical tags or redirects when needed.

Q: Should I add a noindex tag to fix duplicate URLs?

A: No, not unless you want the page removed from search results. For duplicate URL issues, use a unique path, canonical tag, or redirect depending on the situation.

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