7 Simple Fixes for HTTPS, Canonical Tags & Duplicate Content Control
By John Smith, Local SEO Expert with 10 years of experience helping roofing businesses grow
Published: May 21, 2025
1. Switch to HTTPS for Security
HTTPS secures your site with SSL, marking it as safe. Google confirms HTTPS boosts rankings by 5–10%.
Steps:
- Get a free SSL from your host
- Redirect HTTP to HTTPS with 301s
- Update internal links
Example: A Dallas roofer’s HTTPS switch improved trust and rankings.
Actionable Tip: Check with SSL Labs.
2. Fix Duplicate Site Versions
Multiple URL versions (HTTP, HTTPS, www, non-www) create duplicates. Reports say this splits SEO value by 20%.
Fix:
- Choose https://www.yourwebsite.com
- Redirect others with 301s
- Update Google Search Console
Example: A Plano roofer consolidated URLs, boosting rankings.
Actionable Tip: Test redirects with Redirect Checker.
3. Add Canonical Tags for Duplicates
Canonical tags specify the main page version. Yoast notes they prevent 30% of duplicate penalties.
Example:
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.yourwebsite.com/roof-repair" />
Tools:
- Rank Math
- Manual HTML edits
Example: An Arlington roofer’s canonical tags fixed service page duplicates.
Actionable Tip: Add via Yoast SEO.
4. Write Unique Content for Pages
Copy-pasted content across pages triggers penalties. Moz says unique content boosts rankings by 15%.
Do:
- Create city-specific text
- Use local images, FAQs
- Link related pages
Example: A Houston roofer’s unique location pages ranked higher.
Actionable Tip: Check duplicates with Siteliner.
5. Use Robots.txt and Noindex Wisely
Control indexing with robots.txt or noindex tags. Google warns errors can hide 50% of content.
Block:
- Admin, thank-you pages
- Duplicate filters
Example: A Dallas roofer noindexed duplicates, improving SEO.
Actionable Tip: Test with GSC Robots.txt Tester.
6. Resolve WWW vs. Non-WWW Issues
Inconsistent URLs confuse Google. Reports say redirects unify SEO by 10%.
Fix:
- Redirect www to non-www (or vice versa)
- Update links, sitemaps
Example: A Plano roofer’s redirects streamlined indexing.
Actionable Tip: Verify in GSC.
7. Audit for Duplicate Issues
Regular audits catch sneaky duplicates. Moz reports audits fix 25% of SEO issues.
Tools:
- Screaming Frog
- Ahrefs
- GSC
Example: An Arlington roofer’s audit resolved 10 duplicate pages.
Actionable Tip: Audit monthly with Screaming Frog.
Sample HTTPS and Duplicate Content Plan for Roofers
Here’s a plan for a Dallas-based roofing website:
| Fix | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Enable HTTPS | Free SSL setup | Secure site |
| Fix URLs | Redirect to HTTPS/www | Unify SEO |
| Add Canonicals | Yoast for service pages | Control duplicates |
| Audit Site | Screaming Frog scan | Find issues |
Actionable Tip: Monitor in Google Search Console.
Conclusion: Clean Site, Higher Rankings
Fixing HTTPS, canonical tags, and duplicate content strengthens your SEO foundation. It:
- Boosts rankings by 5–10% (Google).
- Prevents 30% of duplicate penalties (Yoast).
- Fixes 25% of SEO issues via audits (Moz).
- Drives roofing leads.
Start with one fix, check monthly in GSC, or consult an SEO expert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is HTTPS really needed for SEO?
Yes, it’s a Google ranking factor and boosts user trust (Google).
How do I know if my site has duplicate content?
Use Screaming Frog or Google Search Console to spot duplicates (WebFX).
Do I need a canonical tag on every page?
No, only for similar or syndicated content (Yoast).
What happens if I don’t fix duplicate content?
Rankings may drop as SEO value splits (Moz).
Can I set up HTTPS and redirects myself?
Yes, with plugins or hosting support (Google).