My Account
  • Advertisers
  • Publishers
  • Inventory
  • API
  • Help
  • Blog
Get Started
  • Advertisers
  • Publishers
  • Inventory
  • API
  • Help
  • Blog
Get Started
  • Advertisers
  • Publishers
  • Inventory
  • API
  • Help
  • Blog
  • Advertisers
  • Publishers
  • Inventory
  • API
  • Help
  • Blog
Marketing Blog
Blogging

Canonicalization: is it a google ranking factor?

October 11, 2021

Canonicalization is confirmed to have a connection with search rankings, but is it a ranking factor? Find out here.

Canonicalization is loosely connected to search rankings, but would it be a stretch to call it a ranking factor?

You may have heard that the rel=”canonical” tag is a tool that can be used to consolidate ranking signals from multiple URLs into a single canonical URL.

That’s true, but it’s a tool that has limited use cases.

Even when used correctly, there’s no guarantee that Google will follow its directions.

Learn more about canonical URLs and how the rel=”canonical” tag is connected to search rankings.

The Claim: Canonicalization (rel=”canonical”) Is a Ranking Factor

Rel=”canonical” is an HTML tag that can be used to tell Google which version of a page to show in search results when multiple versions of the page exist.

It’s most commonly used as a way to consolidate duplicate URLs on one’s own site, but the tag can also be used when content is republished or syndicated across multiple domains.

Google doesn’t like to show duplicate content in search results, so it will instead choose one URL and omit the others. This is referred to as the canonical URL.

In addition to telling Google which URL to show in search results, some believe that the rel=“canonical” tag can forward ranking signals from one page to another.

This is what Google says about canonicals as they relate to search rankings.

The Evidence: Canonicalization (rel=”canonical”) as a Ranking Factor

Google’s official guide to advanced SEO has a whole chapter about using canonicalization to consolidate duplicate URLs. Curiously, it doesn’t mention anything about search rankings.

However, Google’s John Mueller previously addressed the topic of canonicals and search rankings in one of his weekly SEO Q&A sessions.

In this particular example, Mueller recommends that a site owner use a rel=”canonical” tag for duplicate content because it can combine all ranking signals into one. He said:

“In general, I’d recommend using a rel=”canonical” for duplicate content rather than a noindex.

With a noindex, you’re telling us this page should not be indexed at all.

With a canonical, you’re telling us this page is essentially the same as this other page I have, and that helps us because then we can take all of the signals that we have for both of these pages and combine them into one.

Whereas if you just have a noindex, or if you block it with robots.txt, then the signals that are associated with that page that’s blocked or has a noindex on it are lost, they’re dropped.”

This is confirmation that Google is capable of combining ranking signals from duplicate content into one canonical URL with the rel=”canonical” HTML tag.

Canonicalization as a Ranking Factor: Our Verdict

Canonicalization is confirmed to have a connection with search rankings, but that doesn’t mean it’s a ranking factor.

A rel=”canonical” tag can be used to combine signals from multiple duplicate URLs into one, but even then it’s not a reliable tool.

When the rel=”canonical” tag is used correctly, Google may still choose to ignore it and pick its own canonical URL to show in search results instead.

The rel=”canonical” tag is more of a suggestion than a directive – and definitely not a factor for rankings.
___
by Matt Southern
source: SEJ

canonical Canonical Tag canonicalization consolidate duplicate URLs consolidate ranking signals content duplicate content forward ranking signals google HTML tag multiple URLs noindex ranking factor search rankings search results seo single canonical URL tool
1308 Views
3 reasons why you absolutely need to add whitepapers to your content strategyPrev3 reasons why you absolutely need to add whitepapers to your content strategyOctober 5, 2021
Why automation is the future of lead management (and RevOps)October 19, 2021Why automation is the future of lead management (and RevOps)Next
Categories
  • Blogging 49
  • Content Marketing 46
  • Digital Marketing 59
  • E-Commerce 24
  • E-mail Marketing 26
  • Influencer Marketing 15
  • Marketing Industry 100
  • Mobile Marketing 43
  • Native Advertising 19
  • Programmatic 18
  • Push Notifications 92
  • SEO Optimization 62
  • Social Media 61
  • Video Marketing 15
  • Webmaster's Tools 11
Recent Posts
  • Bing Webmaster Tools Upgrades: Improving SEO With Enhanced Features
    Bing Webmaster Tools Upgrades: Improving SEO With Enhanced Features
    September 21, 2023
  • Navigating The GA4 Storm: Expert Tips For Marketers
    Navigating The GA4 Storm: Expert Tips For Marketers
    September 6, 2023
  • Navigating Modern Consumer Trends: Enhancing Landing Page Conversions Through Effective Outreach
    Navigating Modern Consumer Trends: Enhancing Landing Page Conversions Through Effective Outreach
    August 23, 2023
Recent Posts
  • Bing Webmaster Tools Upgrades: Improving SEO With Enhanced Features September 21, 2023
  • Navigating The GA4 Storm: Expert Tips For Marketers September 6, 2023
Advertisers
  • Self-Serve Ad Platform
  • Advertising Inventory
  • New Account
Publishers
  • Monetize Traffic
  • Payout Methods
Ad Formats
  • Push Notification
  • Pop-under
  • Display
  • Native
Resources
  • Help Center
  • DailyClicks API
  • Knowledge Base
  • Marketing Blog
  • Report a bot
Company
  • About DailyClicks
  • Affiliate Program
  • Technology
  • Contact
© 2023 3DMA Ltd. All rights reserved.
Money Back Guarantee|Privacy Policy|Terms of Service
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
cookie preferencesI AGREE
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT