Fix Canonical Problems Fast: Keep One Clear URL for Every Page
Search engines get confused when the same content lives at more than one web address.
The extra copies split link value, hurt rankings, and waste crawl budget.
Not sure if your site has this trouble? Run a quick free SEO audit and you’ll see any duplicate-URL warnings right away.
8 Canonical Problems That Hurt Rankings (and Quick Fixes)
Pick One Version: WWW or Non-WWW
Choose the version you prefer, set a 301 redirect from the other, and add a canonical tag that backs up the choice. This simple step stops authority from being split between two homes.
Lock Down HTTPS as the Only Protocol
Visitors and search engines expect the secure version. Redirect every http:// page to its https:// twin and mark the secure URL as canonical.
Clean Up URL Parameters
Tracking and sorting strings often create endless copies of the same page.
If the parameter isn’t vital, drop it. If you must keep it, add a canonical tag that points to the main version (for example, /product over /product?color=blue).
Be Consistent with Trailing Slashes
Stick to either /about or /about/ but not both. Pick one format, add a redirect from the other, and set the canonical tag to match.
Stop Pagination Pages from Competing
For long lists, keep each page canonical to itself or send them all to a “view all” page—whichever fits your layout. Just avoid letting every page claim the same canonical tag.
Protect Original Content When You Syndicate
If partners republish your articles, ask them to add a canonical tag that points back to your original. That way, your site keeps the ranking credit.
Merge Mobile and Desktop Addresses
Running m.example.com alongside www.example.com? Pick a single source. Use canonical tags (and rel="alternate" if needed) so search engines know which version to favor.
Keep Language Versions Separate
When you serve content in many languages or regions—say example.com/es and example.com/de—set each page’s canonical to itself and pair it with the correct hreflang tags.
Four Quick Actions to Clear Up Canonical Trouble
- Use 301 redirects so every retired URL lands on the right one.
- Add canonical tags across the site to tell search engines which page matters.
- Keep links consistent inside and outside your site.
- Review and refresh tags after big content or structure changes.
Need help with any of these steps? Our technical SEO guide walks you through the details.
Stop WordPress from Adding Trailing Slashes
Step 1: Pick a Permalink Format
Head to Settings › Permalinks in your dashboard.
If you see a slash at the end of the structure, remove it and save. WordPress will handle the redirects.
Step 2: Update Your .htaccess
Want tighter control? Add this rule after backing up the file:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^tag/(.*)/$ /tag/$1 [R=301,L]
Step 3: Use a Redirect Plugin
If editing files feels risky, a tool like Redirection or Yoast SEO can handle the same job from the admin area.
Remove Trailing Slashes from WordPress Pagination Links
Place the snippet below in your theme’s functions.php to strip the slash WordPress adds to paging URLs:
/**
* Remove trailing slashes from pagination links.
*
* @param string $link The URL of the pagination link.
* @return string
*/
function remove_trailing_slashes_pagination( $link ) {
return rtrim( $link, '/' );
}
add_filter( 'paginate_links', 'remove_trailing_slashes_pagination' );
