When the same content is available at several addresses, the canonical tag prevents duplication problems and concentrates SEO value on one address.
What it means in practice
The canonical tag (rel="canonical") is a hint in the page code telling search engines which URL is the “original” when the same or very similar content is available at several addresses – e.g. with URL parameters, with and without a trailing slash, or a print version.
Why it matters for your business
Without a canonical tag Google chooses which URL to show and may spread SEO value over several copies. A correct tag concentrates links and signals on one proper address.
Examples and good practice
- Every page should declare itself as canonical.
- Pages with filters or parameters (?sort=) point to the base version.
- Don’t combine canonical and noindex on the same page.
- Check in Search Console which URL Google chose as canonical.
How Novi handles it
Novi websites automatically add correct canonical tags to every page, including language versions, so you don’t have to deal with it.
