A canonical URL in SEO is your way of telling search engines which version of a webpage you want to appear in search results. Here’s how it simplifies things:
- Prevents Duplication: Websites often have content accessible through multiple URLs. By selecting a canonical URL, you inform Google or any other search engine which version is the “”master”” or preferred one. This helps avoid content duplication issues, which can dilute your SEO efforts.
- Consolidates Ranking Signals: It consolidates all links and ranking signals from duplicates to the canonical page. Imagine all the SEO power from various versions focusing on a single URL; it boosts its visibility and ranking potential.
In short, a canonical URL is your way of ensuring that search engines know exactly which page you deem most important, thus enhancing your SEO strategy by preventing confusion over duplicate content.
