The Basics

What is it

If the same content appears on more than one web address, it means that you have duplicate content. When there is "substantially similar" content in multiple places on the Internet, it can be difficult for search engines to decide which is more relevant.

Screen Shot 2022-09-25 at 12.30.29.png

How it happens

URL variations
Copied content
Having two versions of a page (HTTP vs. HTTPS or WWW vs. non-WWW)
Old version of your website (archived in an old URL)

How to fix it

It should be standardized for search engines by determining which of the duplicates is "correct". Three main ways to do this:

If the duplicated content is an old or reduntant page > 301 redirect to the correct URL
If the duplicated content is a different link version of an existing page > The rel=canonical attribute