Duplicate content means the same or very similar text appears on more than one URL, on your site or across sites. It rarely causes a penalty, but it makes Google choose which version to show, and it may not choose the one you want.
Common causes
- The same page reachable at http and https, or with and without www.
- Product pages with many URL variations from filters or tracking parameters.
- Location pages copied with only the city name changed.
- Manufacturer product descriptions copied by many sellers.
- Printer-friendly or AMP versions.
How to fix it
| Situation | Fix |
|---|---|
| Same page, several URLs | 301 redirect to one version |
| Variations you need to keep | Canonical tag pointing to the main version |
| Copied location or service pages | Rewrite with genuinely local, unique content |
| Manufacturer descriptions | Write your own descriptions |
Create redirects with our redirect generator. Read canonical tags explained.
When someone copies your content
Google usually identifies the original. If a copy outranks you, you can file a copyright removal request with Google.
Keep content distinct
Check that pages are not over-repeating the same terms with our keyword density checker.
Want the full picture? This article is part of SEO: the complete guide, our in-depth guide with everything in one place.
