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SEO High impact Medium 10–30 min (template setup)

Canonical URL (canonical)

Tells search engines which version of a URL is the main one.

What it is

The <link rel="canonical"> tag specifies the "original" address of the content. It is used when the same content is available at multiple URLs (parameters, /, www vs. non-www, product sorting).

Why it matters

Duplicate content dilutes link strength and Google may index the wrong version. Canonicalization consolidates signals onto a single URL and prevents cannibalization and duplicate-content problems.

How to do it

  1. 1On every page, set the canonical to its own preferred URL (self-referencing).
  2. 2For filtered/sorted variants, point the canonical to the base version.
  3. 3Be consistent: one domain variant (https + www or non-www), no extra trailing slash.
  4. 4The canonical URL must return 200 and be indexable (not noindex, not a redirect).

Example

Correct
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.example.cz/products/jacket">

Conclusion

The canonical is a tool against duplication and fragmented signals. A self-referencing canonical on every page + pointing variants to the base URL is a safe standard. Be careful that the canonical doesn't accidentally point to the homepage or to a noindex version — that's a common and costly mistake.

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