Canonical Tag
An HTML tag that tells search engines which version of a page is the preferred one when similar or duplicate versions exist.
A canonical tag points search engines to the main version of a page when several similar or duplicate URLs exist. It prevents confusion about which one should rank.
When it’s used
Common cases include the same product reachable through multiple URLs, or printer-friendly and tracking-parameter versions of a page. The canonical tag consolidates their value into one preferred URL.
Why it matters
Without it, duplicate versions can compete with each other and split their ranking signals. The canonical tag keeps that strength in one place.
Related Terms
- SEO Basics
301 Redirect
A permanent redirect that sends visitors and search engines from an old URL to a new one, passing along most of the old page's ranking value.
- SEO Basics
Alt Text
A written description of an image in a page's HTML, used by screen readers and search engines to understand what the image shows.
- SEO Basics
Anchor Text
The visible, clickable words of a hyperlink, which give readers and search engines a clue about the linked page's topic.