What is a Canonical Tag

When your website has large amounts of content, it's not uncommon to end up with multiple pages that have the same content. This can happen for a few reasons, like if you're running an A/B test or if you have certain pages present in multiple languages.

When this happens, search engines can get confused about which page is the most important one. That's where canonical tags come in. A canonical tag is a way of telling search engine bots which page is the master copy of a piece of content and which one is a duplicate one. This helps Google to index your pages correctly and show the right one to users in search results.

Breaking Down a Canonical Tag

The canonical tag, often called the rel="canonical" tag, is a specific HTML code you insert into your webpage. Its purpose? To tell search engines, like Google, which version of a similar set of pages you'd prefer to be treated as the main one.

When you're handling SEO (Search Engine Optimization), there can be situations where you have two or more pages with very similar content. Here, the canonical tag becomes your way of pointing out to search engines which page among the similar ones should be given priority. This helps ensure that the "weight" of all similar pages gets focused on your chosen main page, which can boost its position in search results.

It's like putting up a signpost that tells search engines, "Hey, even if you come across other pages that look like this one, treat this as the main one!"

Usually, canonical tags direct search engines from a secondary page to the main version you'd prefer.

What Is a Canonical URL?

Imagine having a favorite book. You may have two copies of it, one on your bedside table and another in your living room. However, if someone asks to borrow your favorite book, you would likely give them the one from your bedside table because that is your "main" copy. Similarly, a canonical URL serves as a web page's primary version.

A canonical URL is the web address for the main version of a page when there are multiple pages with similar content. This is the version search engines prioritize during their search, like Google.

For instance:

Main Page: https://laurabotique.com/blog/

Similar Page: https://laurabotique.com/blog/?page=1

Here, Google will likely prioritize the Main Page for its search results.

Why Canonical Tags Matter

Canonical tags serve a significant purpose in the digital realm: they combat duplicate content problems. Whether it's different linguistic versions of a page, such as American English vs. British English, or web pages with variable elements like filters, canonical tags step in to resolve these overlaps.

The Drawback of Duplicate Content

When your site houses duplicate content, you inadvertently enter the terrain of "keyword cannibalization." It's where several pages, although distinct, fight for recognition for the exact keywords. This internal competition doesn't sit well for your site's ranking—instead of one strong page ranking for a keyword, you end up with multiple weaker ones.

Conclusion: The Power of the Canonical Tag

In the vast ocean of online content, it's essential to guide search engines toward recognizing the cornerstone pages of your website. Canonical tags serve as that guiding light, ensuring that the most relevant content gets the spotlight. By following the straightforward guidelines and sidestepping common pitfalls, you can effectively use canonical tags to bolster your site's search presence. Remember, it's not just about having great content; it's also about making sure it gets seen and acknowledged. Embrace the power of the canonical tag, and let your primary content shine!