Configure Canonical URLs in Magento

Configuring canonical URLs in Magento helps prevent duplicate content issues by specifying the preferred version of a webpage. This can improve your SEO by consolidating page authority and directing search engines to the primary version of a page.

Steps to Configure Canonical URLs in Magento

Enabling Canonical URLs for Products and Categories

1. Log in to the Magento Admin Panel:
   • Open your web browser and navigate to the URL of your Magento admin panel.
   • Enter your admin username and password, then click on "Sign in."
2. Navigate to the SEO Settings:
   • In the left sidebar, go to Stores > Configuration.
   • In the Catalog section, click on Catalog.
3. Enable Canonical URLs for Products:
   • Expand the Search Engine Optimization section.
   • Set Use Canonical Link Meta Tag For Products to "Yes".
4. Enable Canonical URLs for Categories:
   • Set Use Canonical Link Meta Tag For Categories to "Yes".
5. Save the Configuration:
   • Click Save Config to apply the changes.

Configuring Canonical URLs for Custom Pages

1. Navigate to CMS Pages:
   • In the left sidebar, go to Content > Elements > Pages.
2. Edit a CMS Page:
   • Find the page you want to add a canonical URL to and click on it to edit.
3. Add Canonical URL in the Layout Update XML:
   • In the Design tab, find the Layout Update XML field.
   • Add the following XML code to specify the canonical URL:

     <reference name="head">
         <action method="addLinkRel">
             <rel>canonical</rel>
             <href>{{canonical_url}}</href>
         </action>
     </reference>

   • Replace {{canonical_url}} with the actual URL you want to set as canonical.
4. Save the Page:
   • Click Save to apply the changes.

Using a Third-Party Extension for Advanced Canonical URL Management

For more advanced canonical URL management, you might consider using a third-party extension. Some popular options include:

• SEO Suite Ultimate by Mageworx
• Advanced SEO Suite by Mirasvit

Installing and Configuring a Third-Party Extension

1. Choose an Extension:
   • Go to the Magento Marketplace and search for a canonical URL management extension.
   • Purchase and download the extension.
2. Install the Extension:
   • In the Magento admin panel, go to System > Web Setup Wizard > Extension Manager.
   • Find the extension you purchased in the list and click Install.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete