URL Parameters
URL parameters can create duplication, crawl waste and canonical confusion. Use canonicals, noindex and consistent internal links.
Definition
URL parameters (e.g. ?key=value) are often used for sorting, filtering, and tracking. They can create multiple URLs for the same content, leading to duplication and wasted crawl budget. Manage them with canonicalization, noindex where appropriate, and consistent internal linking.
Why it matters
- Parameters can generate lots of duplicate URLs
- They dilute internal link equity and confuse indexing selection
- They can burn crawl budget on large sites
How to implement
- Canonicalize parameter variations to the preferred URL
- Noindex low-value parameter pages (exclude from sitemap)
- Keep internal links and sitemaps pointing to canonical URLs
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