Understanding Discrepancies in Website Landing Pages: A Guide for Non-Developers

If you’ve recently noticed that clicking on your website link from different sources leads to varying versions of your site, you’re not alone. Many website owners face this issue, especially when their site appears differently depending on where the link is accessed from. In this article, we’ll explore common causes of such discrepancies and provide actionable steps to resolve them, even if you’re not a web development expert.

Scenario Overview

Imagine you’ve built your website for your studio, “Kamelion Studios,” hosted on a platform like 10Web. Recently, you perform a Google search for your studio name, and your website appears at the top of search results. However, when you click on that Google link, you notice it redirects to an unexpected or “weird” version of your site. Conversely, clicking on a link embedded in your Instagram profile directs visitors to the beautifully designed, intended homepage you spent hours creating.

Understanding the Issue

Such inconsistencies often stem from differences in how URLs are handled or cached by search engines, browsers, or social media platforms. Common causes include:

1. Different URLs or Domains: The link from Google might be pointing to a different URL than your actual site, perhaps an old version or a cached version.

2. Cache and Indexing Issues: Search engines sometimes display cached or outdated versions of your website, especially if recent changes haven’t been fully propagated.

3. URL Parameters and Redirects: Your site might be configured to redirect certain URLs differently, potentially causing users to land on unintended pages.

4. Multiple Versions or Environments: If you have staging, development, or old versions live on your domain, visitors might be landing on these instead of your main site.

5. Meta Tags or Site Configuration: Some misconfigurations might cause search engines to display placeholder or alternate content.

How to Address the Discrepancies

Here are straightforward steps to diagnose and fix the issue:

1. Verify the Actual URLs

2. Compare the URLs displayed in Google search results with the URL in your Instagram link.

3. Ensure they point to the same domain and path.

4. Check for Redirects

5. Use online tools like Redirect Checker to see where your Google link actually leads.

6. Verify that the URL from Google redirects correctly to your deployed homepage.

7. Update Your Google Listing

8. Ensure your Google My