A recent Google Search Off the Record podcast revealed how Google decides which URL to use for duplicate content. The platform evaluates around 40 features in a process called canonicalization, so it’s panama mobile database important to follow the rules carefully to avoid losing SEO performance due to duplicate content.
The rel=”canonical” tag is just one of many
Duplicate content is a fairly big problem for search engines because many singapore data websites contain multiple pages with the same or similar content.
To understand them, Google performs a process called canonicalization, which determines the main address. It then indexes and displays it in search results (SERPs). As we learned, the usual signals such as rel=”canonical” marking, 301 redirects for canonicalization, or Sitemap files are still just as important, but there are many more influencing factors.
Currently, search robots examine around four dozen signals, and this number is constantly growing over time.
Known factors evaluated include, among others:
- rel=”canonical” tag,
- HTTPS vs. HTTP,
- 301 redirect,
- URL length,
- internal interconnection,
- Sitemaps.
The importance and significance of individual signals vary, and mary marcuz marketing manager some of them (rel=”canonical”) can have a direct impact on both clustering and canonicalization.
More signals, more conflicts
The bad news is that when considering so many tags, there may be conflicts and subsequent problems in determining the canonical URL , which even Google specialists have acknowledged.
If there is confusion or if the traditional strong signals contradict each other, the system switches to evaluating lower-level signals. During canonicalization, Google tries to carefully balance duplicate pages to choose the best one. But it may not be the one you consider the best.
Best practices for successful canonization
By using clear signals pointing to the most important page, you will help search robots identify it and avoid unnecessary hassle.
- Use rel=”canonical” tags correctly.
- Set up 301 redirects for constantly moving content.
- Ensure accessibility and connectivity of sites with HTTPS security.
- Submit Sitemap files with canonical URLs marked.
- Maintain consistent internal linking across pages.
Properly implemented signals help Google find the correct canonical page and improve indexing, crawling, and website visibility .
Avoid common mistakes
Incorrect and conflicting markings
- Redirect to a non-existent page (404).
- Multiple different canonical tags on one page.
- Linking to a completely different domain.
Fix: Fully check all canonical tags, only entePrevent conflicts. Help Google recognize canonical addressesr one per page, and work with absolute URLs.
Canonical loops and chains
When page 1 links to page 2 as the canonical, but page 2 links back to page 1 or something else, an unwanted loop is created