Product page, variants and WordPress SEO output
Check the interaction of product template and SEO plugin. A shop-specific template can behave differently than regular WordPress posts.
Compare the main variable product with called variant and category paths. The SEO plugin can set the preferred URL, while a customized product template also inserts its own canonical.
Where to check the setting in WooCommerce
Compare the normal product URL to a variant or category path URL. Check the canonical rule of the active WordPress SEO plugin and own additions in the theme. A variant selection alone does not justify a separate indexable product page.
Example of this specific finding
Illustrative control case: An article page and its tracking variant provide the same text, but not a preferred URL. The variants must first be compared in terms of content.
<!-- Auf Artikel und identischer Trackingvariante -->
<link rel="canonical" href="https://example.org/ratgeber/bremsen/">follow-up audit in WooCommerce
Open a specific variant selection directly and compare it with the main product. The desired URL must match the visible product, price and selection status.
For these identical variants, consistently specify the clean article URL. Internal links and sitemap should give the same address.
Derogations and scope
A unique page without a canonical is not automatically unindexable. Even an existing canonical does not guarantee the selection by Google.
Regarding: WooCommerce on WordPress. Block and classic product templates as well as SEO extensions can have different output locations.
Classify the general error
Definition, system-independent causes and further correction examples: A missing canonical is not a blanket indexing error