July 30, 2023

Canonicalization: An SEO Strategy for Los Angeles Websites

In the dynamic digital space of Los Angeles, businesses continuously vie for a strong online presence. Yet, while many focus on conventional SEO strategies, there's an overlooked tactic that can significantly boost your site's SEO health: canonicalization.

Canonicalization: An SEO Strategy for Los Angeles Websites

Unraveling the Concept of Canonicalization

In the simplest terms, canonicalization is the process of choosing the best URL when there are several choices, and it often refers to home pages. For instance, most people would consider these the same URLs:

  • www.example.com
  • example.com/
  • www.example.com/index.html
  • example.com/home.asp

But technically all of these URLs are different. A web server could return completely different content for all the URLs above. When Google "canonicalizes" a URL, it tries to pick the URL that seems like the best representative from that set.

Why Canonicalization Matters

Without proper canonicalization, search engines may view these URLs as separate pages with duplicate content. Duplicate content can lead to several SEO issues:

  1. Dilution of Link Equity: If other sites are linking to different versions of your URL, the link equity - which can help your site rank better, gets diluted.
  2. Crawl Waste: Search engines spend their resources (crawl budget) on crawling and indexing different versions of the same page, which is wasteful.
  3. Confusion for Search Engines: Search engines might get confused about which version of the URL to rank and show in the search results.
  4. Poor User Experience: Users may get confused if they see multiple URLs for the same page.

By correctly implementing canonicalization, you can avoid these issues, provide a better user experience, and improve your site's SEO performance.

How to Implement Canonicalization

Now that we understand the importance of canonicalization, let's explore how you can implement it on your Los Angeles business website:

1. 301 Redirect: If you have permanently moved a page, or are no longer using an old URL, you can implement a 301 redirect. This not only redirects users to the correct page but also informs search engines that the old URL has been permanently moved to a new location.

2. Rel=Canonical: You can use the rel=canonical tag to tell search engines that certain similar URLs are actually one and the same. By doing so, you're asking the search engines to treat that particular page as the master copy.

3. Consistent Internal Linking: Make sure all internal links on your site are using the same version of the URL.

4. XML Sitemap: Ensure only canonical URLs are included in your XML sitemap.

In conclusion, canonicalization is an essential, yet often overlooked, aspect of SEO strategy. For Los Angeles businesses aiming to enhance their digital footprint, proper understanding and implementation of canonicalization can lead to improved site health, better user experience, and higher search engine rankings.

Additional Technical SEO Topics

Technical SEO in Los Angeles: Enhancing Online Visibility

Unveiling the Mysteries of Website Crawling and Indexing

Understanding XML Sitemaps for Best SEO Practices

Unveiling the Importance of Robots.txt for Your SEO

HTTPS and Security For Los Angeles Businesses Guide

Schema Markup: A Great SEO Tool for Los Angeles Businesses

Crafting Optimal Site Architecture for LA Businesses

AMP: Boosting Mobile SEO for LA Businesses

What is mrla media?

Meet Johnny La, Your SEO & Digital Marketing NERD

MRLA Media is a local SEO expert & digital marketing agency in Los Angeles. Our founder, Johnny La, has been in the digital marketing industry for over 2 decades. His passion for digital marketing began in the late 90s when he designed his first website for his computer science teacher. Johnny moved to Los Angeles in 2014, where he fell in love with what the incredible city has to offer. Since then, he has worked with numerous clients in various industries, helping them grow their businesses through effective digital marketing strategies.​ Johnny is also a SAG-Aftra actor, and has been in film & television, interviewed in the press, spoken on multiple podcasts, and is an active influencer in the city of Los Angeles.

A Must Read! - How To Increase Your Business With SEO:

Read More...

Recent Blog Posts

September 23, 2023
Your Google Business Profile is more than just a digital listing; it's the first impression many customers have of your brand. Dive in to understand why regularly updating this vital touchpoint can enhance visibility, credibility, and engagement, setting your business apart in today's digital marketplace.
September 21, 2023
In the bustling digital landscape of Los Angeles, the synergy between SEO and PPC can be the game-changer for businesses aiming for online dominance. Dive in with MRLA Media to discover how these twin pillars of digital marketing, when harmoniously integrated, can elevate your brand's presence and profitability in the City of Angels.
September 17, 2023
In today's digital landscape, establishing a dominant online footprint is essential for any business's prosperity. PPC in Los Angeles has emerged as a pivotal strategy for companies aiming to secure a competitive advantage.
Let's WORK TOGETHER

FREE SEO AUDIT REPORT FOR YOUR WEBSITE