SEO: Duplicate Content is Still a Problem!

 

Google is getting better and better at filtering out the things that do not benefit their search users and the quality of its index. This also applies to Duplicate Content. But does that mean you no longer have to worry about Duplicate Content? The short answer is a resounding no! In fact, Duplicate Content - precisely because of Google's more effective filtering - is an even bigger problem than ever before. 

In this post, we are going to take a closer look at why Duplicate Content is such a serious SEO issue, where it often occurs and what you can do about it.

Why is Duplicate Content a problem?

Basically, it does not make sense for Google to store the same - or virtually the same, information multiple times in their index. It's just a waste of space. And maybe even worse - it can lead to poorer search results. When you do a search, Google wants to show you a selection of different results. If e.g. a product, with the same description and price, appears on many URLs - either on your own or across sites, then Google will not show them all. They would rather show something different. Google, therefore, tries to identify all or part of the content and usually filter it out of their index and searches. The problem is that when Google automatically filters out pages, you have no control over which version they keep. They may not keep the version you prefer. And if the identical content is found across

websites, it can, in the worst case, mean that the version on your site is not displayed at all.

And to make it even worse, filtering content on your website damages not only the pages that smoke out - but also all the other (good) pages. The filtering of Duplicate Content on your website sends a signal of poor quality. It can make it harder for all your other good sides to rank as well as they should. 

Where can Duplicate Content appear?

There are almost infinite ways Duplicate Content can occur, but among some of the most common are:

Pages that can be viewed via multiple domains

Websites where all pages can be displayed both with and without www

Products that appear in several categories

Products that have different URLs depending on which variants are selected (color, size, etc.)

Product texts used by several different webshops

The print version of pages

Pages with identical TITLE tags

The above are just a few examples. In practice, Duplicate Content can appear in many more places. It can be difficult to identify them all - but it is very important that you get it done!

What can you do about Duplicate Content?

The first and most important point is to identify the problems you have.

Do you have complete control over where Duplicate Content appears on your website, or whether your content is used on other websites? The next step is then to solve it.

The best solution is to make sure that Duplicate Content does not appear at all. Sometimes it can be solved by adjusting the structure of your website or the way URLs appear. It is also possible that the way you use content can be improved. But that is not always enough. Sometimes other solutions are needed. 

With a CANONICAL tag, you can specify whether one page is identical to another. It can help Google better understand which version to index. Unfortunately, it is not a 100% safe solution, it requires a high degree of care when implementing and should at least be continuously monitored so that no errors occur. As with many other SEO services, there is not one single solution that works for everyone. It is important that you consider your various options carefully and choose the best one. If you are in doubt, we can help you. 

Is Duplicate Content Spam?

No, only in very rare cases will Google perceive Duplicate Content as spam. As a rule, you do not have to be nervous about it. That said, it can be seen as a "punishment" when Google identifies Duplicate Content on your website, filters it out, and ranks others of your good pages worse.  

But do not worry - once you have fixed your Duplicate Content issues, the consequences them will also resolve. 

Are you having Duplicate Content issues?

Do you know if you have Duplicate Content issues - or are you unsure if you have? Then we can help you both investigate it and help you solve it.