let’s dive into the world of canonical tags and how to avoid common mistakes that can hinder your WordPress SEO efforts! It’s kind of like navigating a maze but with a bit of guidance you can find the right path to better rankings.

Want to make sure your WordPress site is ranking like a boss? 👑 You gotta get your canonical tags in check! 💪 Check out this article and avoid these common mistakes that can really screw up your SEO! 🤯

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7 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Canonical Tags on Your WordPress Website

Canonical tags are like little GPS signals for search engines letting them know which version of a page is the “real deal” when you have similar content.

But if you’re not careful these tags can actually lead you astray!

1. Don’t Get Greedy with Canonical Tags: One Page One Tag!

Think of canonical tags like a royal decree.

There can only be one king or queen on the throne just like there can only be one canonical tag per page.

If you try to use multiple tags on a single page you’re essentially creating a confusing royal court and Google won’t know who to listen to!

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Reuse the Same Canonical Tag

You can use the same canonical tag on multiple pages as long as they are all pointing to the same preferred page.

Think of it like a group of friends all agreeing to meet at the same spot.

It doesn’t matter if they all take different paths to get there as long as they end up at the same destination.

3. Avoid Combining Canonical Tags with Redirects: Choose One

Canonical tags and redirects are like two powerful tools for managing duplicate content but you don’t need to wield both at the same time.

It’s like having two different keys to unlock the same door – you only need one! Using both could create a messy situation potentially causing confusion and errors.

4. HTTPS is the Way to Go

Always use the HTTPS format in your canonical tags even if your website is also accessible over HTTP.

Just like you wouldn’t wear a raincoat in a snowstorm you wouldn’t use an HTTP link when HTTPS is available! Google prefers HTTPS for ranking so using it in your canonical tags ensures you’re sending the right signals.

5. Place Your Canonical Tag in the Head Section

Imagine placing a map on the floor instead of on the wall.

It wouldn’t be very helpful would it? The same goes for canonical tags.

You need to put them in the <head> section of your page for search engines to understand them.

6. Don’t Block Search Engines from Crawling Pages with Canonical Tags

While you might think blocking search engines from crawling pages with canonical tags is a good idea (after all you don’t want them ranking those pages) you actually need to allow them to crawl these pages to understand the canonical relationship.

It’s like letting your friend read your email to understand a conversation you had.

7. Don’t Specify Preferred Pages with Original Content

Remember canonical tags are meant for managing duplicate content.

If a page has original content there’s no need to specify it as a preferred page using a canonical tag.

It’s like having a unique masterpiece and trying to make a copy of it – it’s unnecessary!

Going Beyond the Basics: How Canonical Tags and WordPress Hosting Impact Your SEO

Using canonical tags correctly is just one piece of the SEO puzzle.

As we discussed it’s also crucial to choose the right WordPress hosting partner to ensure your site is fast reliable and secure.

Just like a well-maintained car needs regular checkups your website needs a hosting partner who will keep things running smoothly.

Pressable offers managed WordPress hosting solutions that can make a significant difference in your SEO efforts.

We provide:

Optimized WordPress Hosting Plans for better website performance
WooCommerce Hosting Solutions for online businesses
100% Network Uptime for a seamless user experience
Industry-Leading Security powered by Jetpack Security

By leveraging the power of Pressable’s managed WordPress hosting you’ll be able to:

Boost your website’s speed and performance: A faster website leads to better rankings in search engines and a more enjoyable experience for visitors.
Enhance your website’s security: With robust security measures you can protect your website from threats and keep your data safe.
Improve your website’s reliability: A reliable website is essential for building trust with your visitors.

Making the Most of Your SEO Efforts

By avoiding these canonical tag mistakes and partnering with Pressable for managed WordPress hosting you’re setting yourself up for SEO success.

Remember SEO is an ongoing process but with the right strategies and tools you can achieve great results.

Ready to take your WordPress SEO to the next level? Schedule a demo with Pressable today and learn how we can help you create a website that performs beautifully and ranks high in search engines.

Let’s work together to make your WordPress website a true SEO powerhouse!