SEO guides

Choose a preferred URL with canonical

A canonical signals the preferred URL when identical or very similar content is accessible in several places. It suggests a choice to a search engine rather than redirecting visitors. Pointing to another page can be intentional. Review it together with the actual content and indexing goals of both pages.

Last edited: 18 October 2026

What to do

1. Establish whether duplicates exist, such as parameters, print versions or several category paths to one product.
2. Select the relevant public URL. Use an absolute HTTP(S) address and check that the destination opens and represents the same content.
3. Use one consistent canonical. Where possible, internal links and sitemap entries should agree with the preferred version.

Example

<link rel="canonical" href="https://example.com/products/bicycle-light/">

Check for yourself

• Are there conflicting canonical tags?
• Is the target the correct content version?
• Do internal links and the sitemap support the choice?

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