Canonical URL? In Plain English
In Plain English
A canonical URL is the “preferred” version of a web page that you want search engines to index.
Sometimes the same page can be accessed with different URLs. For example:
https://example.com/shoeshttps://www.example.com/shoeshttps://example.com/shoes?ref=ad
All three show the same content. A canonical URL tells Google which one is the “main” version.
Think of it like choosing the official business card for your shop. Even if you have variations, you want people to use the same one.
Why Canonical URLs Matter
- Avoids duplicate content: Prevents Google from thinking you’re duplicating pages.
- Consolidates SEO value: Combines ranking signals like backlinks under one main URL.
- Keeps results clean: Ensures the correct version of your page shows up in search.
How to Set a Canonical URL
- Add a
<link rel="canonical" href="https://example.com/preferred-url/">tag in the page’s<head>. - Most CMS platforms (like WordPress, Shopify, Squarespace) set canonical URLs automatically.
- Use tools like Yoast or Rank Math to manage them.
FAQs
Q: What is a canonical URL?
It’s the preferred version of a web page that you want search engines to index.
Q: Why do canonical URLs matter?
Because they prevent duplicate content issues and consolidate SEO signals.
Q: Do I need to set canonicals manually?
Usually no. Most CMS platforms handle them automatically, but it’s important to check they’re correct.