What is a canonical url?

Salim Benhouhou   IT Support
Web definitions

The one authoritatively correct URL for a resource. When a resource can be accessed via multiple URLs, a canonical URL should be identified. All alias URLs for a resource should redirect to the canonical URL to enforce its authority.

www.qld.gov.au/web/cue/definitions/

Many content management systems are configured with errors which cause duplicate or exceptionally similar content to get indexed under multiple URLs. Many webmasters use inconsistent link structures throughout their site that cause the exact same content to get indexed under multiple URLs.

www.agent-seo.com/seo-dictionary/

Choosing a URL structure that will be your primary structure, and notifying search engines to ignore all others. Not having a proper canonical URL setup results in duplicate content penalties, as search engines will view all URL versions of a webpage as different websites. Examples would be:

www.whole-seo.com/resource-library/seo-glossary/

A canonical URL is a URL that is the best indexed version. It does not contain any duplicate material which can be a problem when using inconsistent links as the same content can get indexed many times for different URLs and this can cause problems. ...

www.topseotutorials.com/seo-glossary-a-k/
Aug 18th 2012 09:37   

Feathers Scott   Helping Myself and Others Pave The Road To Financi
thanks Salim! great answer!
Aug 18th 2012 17:03 1 Likes  

Salim Benhouhou   IT Support
@feathers scott thank you i hope it helps
Aug 18th 2012 20:36   

Jay Dan   Securing eCommerce Website
@Salim - Excellent answer dude. You make it so easy to understand about Canonical URL.
Aug 20th 2012 00:25 1 Likes  

Prashant Dharmik   SEO,SMO,Web Promotioner,Freelancer
Thanks Mr. @Salim Benhouhou U R Tremendous
Aug 20th 2012 01:57 1 Likes  

Salim Benhouhou   IT Support
@jay dan & Prashant Dharmik you are welcome
Aug 20th 2012 07:53