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