What Is Canonical URL
The canonical URL is the preferred and authoritative version of a webpage that webmasters specify to search engines when multiple versions of the same content exist. It represents the primary address for a specific piece of content, and the canonical URL is communicated to search engines through the use of the canonical tag (rel=canonical). The canonical URL helps resolve issues related to duplicate content and guides search engines to index and rank the correct version of a page.
Example Of Conanical URL:
If a webpage has multiple versions, such as “https://example.com/page” and “https://www.example.com/page,” the canonical URL would be the one selected as the primary version. In this case, it might be “https://example.com/page.”
Syntax of Canonical URL
The canonical URL is specified in the canonical tag (rel=canonical) within the head section of the HTML document. This tag communicates to search engines the preferred version of the page
In this example, “https://example.com/canonical-version” is the canonical URL
The rel="
canonical
"
attribute indicates that the specified URL is the canonical or preferred version, and the href
attribute contains the canonicalization URL
How Canonical URL Works
- Resolving Duplicate Content Issues:
- By designating a canonical URL, webmasters prevent search engines from treating different versions as separate pieces of content. This helps avoid penalties for duplicate content and ensures a more accurate representation in search engine results.
- Handling Multiple Versions:
- Canonicalization can address various scenarios, including www vs. non-www, HTTP vs. HTTPS, URL parameter variations, and mobile vs. desktop versions. The canonical URL serves as the anchor for consolidating these variations
- Dynamic Canonicalization:
- In some cases, canonicalization decisions may change dynamically based on user interactions or other criteria, allowing for flexibility in specifying the canonical version for different scenarios
What is Canonicalization in SEO?
Canonicalization is the process of converting data into a standard or canonical form. It helps assure consistency and concord across different systems and platforms. It’s like giving data a makeover to make it look and conduct the same way throughout.
Table of Content
- What is Canonicalization In SEO?
- What is a Canonical Tag
- What Is Canonical URL
- Why Canonicalization Matters?
- Canonicalization VS Redirects
- Canonicalization vs Pagination
- Reasons to use Canonicals
- How to Specify Canonical Pages?
- How to audit your canonical tags for SEO?