When surfing the Internet, you often come across identical or very similar content on different websites. This phenomenon, known as “duplicate content”, can be a challenge for both website operators and search engines. In this article, you will find out exactly what duplicate content is, why it can be a problem and how you can avoid it.
What is duplicate content? #
Duplicate content refers to content within a domain or across several domains that is either completely identical or has very strong similarities. This can include texts, images, videos or other multimedia elements.
Why is duplicate content a problem? #
Search engines strive to present the most relevant and unique content to their users. If identical content is available on several pages, search engines find it difficult to decide which version is most relevant and how these pages should be placed in the search results. This can lead to poorer visibility in search engines and reduce the effectiveness of your SEO efforts.
Causes of duplicate content #
- Technical reasons: Different URLs that refer to the same page (e.g. through session IDs or tracking parameters) can be perceived as duplicate content.
- Content is published on multiple pages or domains: Articles or product descriptions that are identical on different websites are considered duplicate content.
- WWW vs. non-WWW versions of your website or the use of HTTP and HTTPS can lead to duplicate content without appropriate redirects.
How can you avoid duplicate content? #
- Use 301 redirects: To ensure that users and search engines are redirected to your site’s preferred URL.
- Use of the canonical tag: With this tag you can tell search engines which version of a page is the original or preferred one.
- Create unique content: Avoid copying content from other sites and instead create unique and valuable content for your users.
- Use parameter handling in Google Search Console: This helps Google to understand which URL parameters change the content of the page and which are irrelevant.
FAQs #
Question 1: Can duplicate content lead to a penalty from Google?
Answer: Direct penalties are rare, but duplicate content can affect the visibility of your site in search results.
Question 2: Is duplicate content always intentional?
Answer: No, it is often caused by technical problems or carelessness when creating content.
Question 3: Can I quote third-party content without creating duplicate content?
Answer: Yes, as long as the quotation is clearly marked and clearly attributed to the original source. Use quotes sparingly and supplement them with your own unique content.
Summary #
Duplicate content can harm your SEO efforts and reduce the visibility of your website in search engines. By making technical adjustments, using the canonical tag and creating unique content, you can minimize the risk of duplicate content and improve the position of your website in the search results.
Sources:
[1] https://www.sem-deutschland.de/seo-glossar/duplicate-content-doppelte-inhalte/
[2] https://www.matthiasklenk.de/seo-glossar/duplicate-content/
[3] https://www.semrush.com/blog/de/duplicate-content/
[4] https://suxeedo.de/leistungen/seo/duplicate-content/
[5] https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duplicate_Content
[6] https://www.om-strategen.de/glossar/duplicate-content/
[7] https://www.seobility.net/de/wiki/Duplicate_Content
[8] https://www.seo-kueche.de/lexikon/duplicate-content/