Duplicate content

What is duplicate content?

Duplicate content is identical or very similar content accessible at multiple URLs. Google must decide which version to display — and it often chooses the wrong one or lowers the rankings of both pages.

Causes of duplicate content

The most common causes: a site accessible with and without www, HTTP and HTTPS versions, URL parameters (?sort=, ?page=), print versions, and content scraping by other sites. CMS platforms often generate duplicates automatically (tags, categories, archives).

How to fix duplicate content?

Use a canonical URL (<link rel="canonical">) — point Google to the preferred version. Implement 301 redirects for duplicates. For URL parameters, use noindex or configure them in Google Search Console. Create unique content for every page.

Need help with a duplicate content audit? Get in touch with ARDURA Lab.