Categories and tags within the WordPress platform have substantial SEO benefits when used correctly. When used in the wrong way, tags and categories create duplicate content, which could result in penalties in ranking by Google and other search engines. It’s important to use tags and categories with caution, but not to fear them.
According to Google:
“Duplicate content generally refers to substantive blocks of content within or across domains that either completely match other content or are appreciably similar. Mostly, this is not deceptive in origin.”
Due to WordPress’ background in blogging and content creation it’s an incredible tool for posting unique content on your website. The nature of the WordPress platform creates several pages, which if categories and tags aren’t used appropriately and if archive pages aren’t indexed in the right way, could cause duplicate content. Generally speaking, search engines can figure out the permalink of an article and differentiate between archives and single entries.
Tags and categories have the possibility to create duplicate content on websites in a few different ways, including:
Tags and categories shouldn’t be feared. When used in a strategic way, they can provide great SEO value for your website and generate more accurately targeted conversions. Additionally, tags and categories can be used as well-constructed navigational elements to improve user experience. Take the following precautions:
Google’s major Panda algorithm updates have targeted low-quality or thin sites, which means duplicate content can factor into a decrease in traffic. With the next algorithm update expect to hit soon, it’s important to fix any duplicate content issues. What can you do?
Have no fear when using categories and tags on your WordPress website or blog. When used appropriately tag and category pages can draw in searchers and maximize conversions. Develop a tag and category strategy that takes advantage of SEO value and provides a great user experience.
View comments
I am in the process of winnowing and editing as we speak. Good article on tags.
Thanks Bob! Glad it was helpful. Let us know if we can ever help.
Thank you for good article
Thanks! We're glad you enjoyed it and hope it was helpful. Best - Savy
My website tags creates duplicate /page/2/ content and i dont't know why :(
Hi Soulseeker, yes, the tags can create duplicate content. It's best to put a no follow on them - this can be done via Yoast if you use that. Happy content writing! - Savy
I'm really enjoying the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems?
A few of my blog readers have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox. Do you have any solutions to help fix this issue?
Hi there,
Developing for IE can be tough, as the browser has discontinued support. IE doesn't function well with key components of HTML such as height, margin, and padding. For these fixes, conditional comments and CSS can be used for browser-specific commands. While 100% compatibility is nearly impossible, there are ways, supported by the use of cross-browser testing tools, to ensure an improved user experience. Cheers, Christina
When we add one post to two categories, is it a duplicate post? For example mywebsite.com/blog/newblog and mywebsite.com/news/newblog These two URLs are the same content.
It is not. One post can be categorized in multiple places so long as the structure on the website is set up correctly. Happy creating! — Savy
Hi, As you know, most of the time we have a blog page and also blog post category. My blog page shows the same posts as the category page does. Is this duplicate content?
Yes, category and tag pages can cause duplicate content issues. You can exclude these from your sitemap via Yoast or other. Happy blogging!