What is a canonical tag?
A canonical tag is a reference that indicates which version of a page is the official one when identical content appears across multiple URLs.
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What is a canonical tag?
A canonical tag is a reference that indicates which version of a page is the official one when identical content appears across multiple URLs.
Webshops and WordPress sites easily generate duplicate URLs: with and without a trailing slash, with filters, with tracking parameters. A canonical tag points to the version that belongs in Google.
It is placed in the page's source code and points to the full URL, including the domain.
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Geschreven door: Lubna Ouarghi
Why it matters
Without a canonical, Google splits ranking value across multiple versions and may pick the wrong one.
Set up incorrectly, it is more dangerous than having none at all: a canonical pointing to the homepage effectively removes your page from the search results.
How we approach it
We set a self-referencing canonical on every page and check this during every site migration.
For filters and parameters, we determine on a case-by-case basis whether the page should rank independently or point to the main page.
Frequently asked questions
Is a canonical the same as a redirect?
No. A redirect forwards the visitor; a canonical leaves the page intact but points Google to the original.
How do I check it?
Check the source code or use Search Console; it shows which URL Google chose as the original.
Bronnen en controle
Laatst bijgewerkt en gecontroleerd: September 2026 — door Lubna Ouarghi
This explanation is based on the official documentation below and on my own work in client projects.
- Google Search Central — SEO Starter Guide — what SEO is and where to start
- Google Search Central — Do you need an SEO specialist? — what a specialist does and what to look out for
- Google Search Essentials — the rules your site must comply with
Want to know where your website stands on this?
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