Canonical URLs explained: one page, one address

One page can load at more than one address. For example, with and without www, with a tracking tag, or with a trailing slash. A search engine sees each address as a separate page.

A canonical tag fixes this. It names the one address you want search engines to use.

What the tag looks like

It is a link tag in the head of the page. It holds the full address of the main version. Use the whole address, with https and your domain.

When you need it

• Your site loads with and without www.
• You share links with tracking tags, such as UTM links.
• Filter or sort options change the address of a list page.
• You publish the same article in two places.

Rules to follow

• Point each page to itself unless it is a true copy.
• Use one canonical address for each page.
• Do not point to a page that redirects or returns an error.

Write the tag

The meta tag generator adds a canonical tag when you enter the page address.