Duplicate node paths
- Why it matters
- Both /node/123 and the alias resolve, splitting signals between two URLs for the same page.
- Fix
- Configure redirects from system paths to aliases, and confirm canonicals use the alias.
Platform audit checklist
Drupal SEO audit checklist for agencies
What to check when you audit, launch or take over a Drupal site, and the platform-specific problems that come up most.
- audit areas
- 4
- individual checks
- 12
- common problems, with fixes
- 3
- launch-day checks
- 4
Short answer
Drupal's SEO depends on its modules and configuration. An audit checks that system paths such as /node/123 redirect to their clean aliases, that Pathauto patterns produce sensible URLs, that the Metatag module outputs unique titles and canonicals, that the Redirect module covers old URLs, that taxonomy term pages and Views with exposed filters aren't flooding the index, and that a sitemap module lists only canonical pages.
Platform details reviewed October 30, 2026. Drupal changes its settings and menus regularly, so confirm specifics in its current documentation before acting.
What's different about SEO on Drupal
- Every piece of content has a system path such as /node/123 as well as its human-readable alias, so duplicates are easy to create.
- Core SEO features come from contributed modules, such as Pathauto, Metatag, Redirect and a sitemap module.
- Taxonomy terms automatically get listing pages that may be thin.
- Views with exposed filters can generate many parameter URLs.
The Drupal audit checklist
URLs
- System paths like /node/123 redirect to the clean alias rather than serving a duplicate.
- Pathauto patterns produce readable, stable URLs for each content type.
- Changed aliases leave redirects behind through the Redirect module.
Metadata
- Metatag defaults give each content type unique title and description patterns.
- Canonical tags point to the clean alias on every page type.
- Structured data, if added, matches the visible content.
Listings and filters
- Taxonomy term pages are useful or excluded from search.
- Views with exposed filters don't produce indexable parameter combinations.
- Pagination on listing pages works and doesn't create duplicates.
Sitemaps and performance
- The sitemap module lists only canonical, indexable pages.
- Caching and asset aggregation are enabled for anonymous visitors.
- Images use responsive image styles at appropriate sizes.
Common Drupal problems and fixes
Thin taxonomy pages
- Why it matters
- Every tag and category gets a listing page, many with only one or two items.
- Fix
- Exclude thin term pages from search or add genuinely useful descriptions to the important ones.
Lost URLs after a version upgrade
- Why it matters
- Major upgrades and migrations can change aliases or content types, breaking old URLs.
- Fix
- Crawl before and after the upgrade, compare URL lists and add redirects for every change.
Launch-day checks for Drupal
- System paths redirect to aliases.
- Metatag defaults and canonicals checked per content type.
- Redirects in place for changed URLs.
- Sitemap generated, filtered and submitted.
Frequently asked questions
Which Drupal modules matter most for SEO?
Commonly Pathauto for URL aliases, Metatag for titles and canonicals, Redirect for 301s and a sitemap module. Check what the site actually uses and how it's configured.
Should Drupal taxonomy pages be indexed?
Only the ones that act as useful topic hubs. Many sites have hundreds of thin term pages that are better kept out of search.
Need a Drupal site audited?
Send the site, the sections to include and any recent changes. You'll get a written scope and quote before any work starts.
- You keep the client relationship
- Unbranded deliverables
- Written scope before work starts