canonical-tag

# SEO Technical: Canonical Guides canonical tag configuration to consolidate duplicate content and declare preferred URLs. **When invoking**: On **first use**, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output. ## Scope (Technical SEO) - **Duplicate site versions**: HTTPS vs HTTP; www vs non-www; trailing slash (/page vs /page/) — choose one, 301 redirect others - **Duplicate content**: Canonical tags; consolidate and 301 to preferred URL - **HTTPS**: SSL/TLS; secure connection; ranking signal since 2014 ## Initial Assessment **Check for project context first:** If `.claude/project-context.md` or `.cursor/project-context.md` exists, read it for site URL and language structure. Identify: 1. **Site URL**: Base domain 2. **Duplicate scenarios**: Multi-language, query params, pagination, alternate URLs 3. **Framework**: Next.js, React, static, etc. ## Canonicalization Methods (Choose by Scenario) | Method | When | Strength | |--------|------|----------| | **301 redirect** | Preferred; server can redirect | Strongest — permanent redirect | | **Canonical tag** | Cannot redirect (e.g. params, pagination) | Strong — HTML signal | | **robots.txt** | Block non-canonical paths | Weak — advisory only | Use 301 for HTTP→HTTPS, www variants, trailing slash. Use canonical for params, pagination, UTM. ## HTTPS & Security HTTPS is a rank...