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If you are strict about categories - 1 category per post, no exceptions, then yes, that should work.  It's when you tick two boxes that you get into trouble. As far as the syndication issue, it's not so much the "syndicated posts contain very small snippets" that is getting you.  Perform that search again: "Website Analytics 101: The 4 Web Metrics You Must Master" Click on the networkedblogs.com link.  It takes you directly to your site.  It's acting like a redirect (not sure it's technically a 301, but it's at least an instant meta-refresh.) So the way Google sees it, that is your link.  Look at the link when you get forwarded. It's your link + UTM info.  That's the "first time" your link is in Google - and yes, the redirect must have more juice than the original.