What is a canonical URL?

A canonical URL is the version of a page that a search engine should treat as the master copy when several URLs show the same or very similar content. It is declared with a canonical tag in the page's code.

Why it matters

Without a clear canonical, search engines split signals across duplicate URLs, which can dilute rankings or index the wrong version of a page.

How to use it

Point every page's canonical tag at its preferred URL, keep one consistent URL format across the site and avoid canonicals that point to redirects or missing pages.

Why it matters

Without a clear canonical, search engines split signals across duplicate URLs, which can dilute rankings or index the wrong version of a page.

How to use it

Point every page's canonical tag at its preferred URL, keep one consistent URL format across the site and avoid canonicals that point to redirects or missing pages.

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