Duplicate Content
Definition
When identical or very similar content appears on multiple URLs. This confuses search engines about which version to rank and can dilute your SEO efforts.
What is Duplicate Content?
Duplicate content exists when the same or substantially similar text appears at multiple web addresses. This can happen within your own site or across different websites.
Common examples include www and non-www versions of pages, HTTP and HTTPS variations, or product descriptions copied from manufacturers.
Why Duplicate Content Causes Problems
When Google finds duplicate content, it must choose which version to show in search results. Often, it picks the wrong one or splits ranking signals between pages, weakening both.
Your carefully optimised page might lose out to an unoptimised copy that Google happened to find first.
Common Causes
Technical Duplicates
- URL parameters creating multiple versions
- Session IDs in URLs
- Print-friendly page versions
- Mobile and desktop URLs
Content Duplicates
- Product descriptions from suppliers
- Syndicated articles
- Template content across pages
- Copied competitor content
How to Fix It
Use canonical tags to tell Google which version is the original. Point all duplicates to the preferred URL.
Set up redirects for pages that shouldn't exist separately. Redirect www to non-www (or vice versa).
Write unique content rather than copying from elsewhere. Even for product descriptions, add your own perspective and value.
Checking for Duplicates
Search Google for exact phrases from your content in quotation marks. Use tools like Screaming Frog to identify duplicate title tags and content within your site.