Canonicalization VS Redirects
Feature | Canonicalization | Redirects (301 Redirect) |
---|---|---|
Purpose | Address duplicate content issues and specify the preferred version. | Redirect users and search engines when a page has permanently moved to a new location. |
Implementation | Uses the canonical tag (rel=canonical) in the HTML head. | Implemented at the server level using HTTP status codes. |
Handling User Experience | Does not change the user’s browser address bar. | Results in a change in the user’s browser address bar. |
SEO Impact | Consolidates ranking signals to the preferred version. | Preserve the SEO value (link equity) by passing it to the new URL. |
Scenarios | Handles www vs. non-www, HTTP vs. HTTPS, URL parameters, and variations in mobile vs. desktop versions. | Used during website migrations, changes in URL structure, or when old URLs need to be replaced. |
User Browser Address Bar | Remains the same, no change. | Changes to the new URL. |
HTTP Status Code | No HTTP status code is involved. | Involves a 301 Moved Permanently HTTP status code. |
What is Canonicalization in SEO?
Canonicalization is the process of converting data into a standard or canonical form. It helps assure consistency and concord across different systems and platforms. It’s like giving data a makeover to make it look and conduct the same way throughout.
Table of Content
- What is Canonicalization In SEO?
- What is a Canonical Tag
- What Is Canonical URL
- Why Canonicalization Matters?
- Canonicalization VS Redirects
- Canonicalization vs Pagination
- Reasons to use Canonicals
- How to Specify Canonical Pages?
- How to audit your canonical tags for SEO?