Having a website with both http:// and https:// versions of canonical URLs is a common issue that can significantly affect your site’s SEO performance. This problem arises when your WordPress site does not have consistent configurations for URLs, causing search engines to view the two versions as separate pages. Let’s dive into why this happens, its impact, and how you can fix it.

Why Does This Happen?

1. Incomplete HTTPS Migration:
   If you recently migrated your site to HTTPS but didn’t update all settings, WordPress might still generate http:// URLs in some areas.

2. Mixed Content or Configuration:
   Plugins, themes, or hardcoded links might force HTTP in certain elements (e.g., images, scripts), causing WordPress to default to insecure URLs.

3. Plugin/Theme Overrides:
   Some plugins or themes manually set canonical URLs without respecting your site’s HTTPS settings.

4. WordPress Address & Site URL Settings:
   If the WordPress Address or Site URL (in Settings > General) still uses http://, canonical tags may inherit this.

5. Caching Issues:
   Old cached pages might still reference HTTP URLs until the cache is cleared.

Why Is This a Problem?

1. Duplicate Content:

   • Search engines may treat the HTTP and HTTPS versions as two separate pages, resulting in duplicate content issues.

2. SEO Ranking Impact:

   • The split traffic and link equity between the two versions can harm your overall SEO performance.

3. Security Warnings:

   • Visitors accessing the HTTP version may encounter security warnings, damaging your site’s credibility.

4. Poor User Experience:

   • Mixed content warnings or inconsistent browsing experiences can lead to higher bounce rates.

How to Fix HTTP/HTTPS Canonical URL Conflicts

1. Force HTTPS Sitewide

• Update WordPress Settings:
  Go to Settings > General and ensure both WordPress Address and Site URL start with https://.
  

• Use a Plugin:
  Install Really Simple SSL (free). It automatically detects your SSL certificate and forces HTTPS across your site.

2. Fix Mixed Content Issues

• Run a mixed content scan using tools like Why No Padlock? or the SSL Insecure Content Fixer plugin.

• Replace hardcoded http:// links in your theme files, posts, or widgets with https:// or protocol-relative URLs (//example.com).

3. Update Canonical Tags

• Use an SEO Plugin:
  Plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math let you set canonical URLs. Ensure they’re configured to use https://:

  • In Yoast SEO: Go to SEO > Search Appearance > General > Website Basics and set the Site Protocol to https://.

• Check Theme & Custom Code:
  If your theme manually generates canonical tags (e.g., in header.php), update the code to use https://.

4. Update .htaccess for Redirects

Add this code to your .htaccess file to force HTTPS:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

5. Clear Caches

• Purge your WordPress cache plugin (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache).

• Clear your browser cache and CDN cache (e.g., Cloudflare).

6. Check SSL Certificate

• Ensure your site has a valid SSL certificate installed. Most hosting providers offer free SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt.

7. Implement Redirects at the Server Level

• Configure your server to redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS. For NGINX, use the following configuration:

  server {
      listen 80;
      server_name yourdomain.com www.yourdomain.com;
      return 301 https://$host$request_uri;
  }

8. Test Redirects

• Use tools like Redirect Checker or browser developer tools to verify that HTTP URLs are properly redirected to their HTTPS counterparts.

9. Update Google Search Console

• Ensure your preferred domain in Google Search Console is set to the HTTPS version.

My Service to Fix Your WordPress Canonical URL Issue

Struggling with canonical URL problems on your WordPress site? As an experienced SEO freelancer and WordPress expert, I offer a comprehensive service to identify and fix issues related to HTTP and HTTPS conflicts. Here’s what you’ll get:

• Full Website Audit:

  • I’ll perform a detailed analysis of your site to identify all URL inconsistencies.

• HTTPS Implementation:

  • I’ll configure your site settings, .htaccess file, and server to ensure HTTPS is enforced throughout.

• SEO Optimization:

  • I’ll verify and update canonical tags, ensuring search engines recognize the correct version of your site.

• SSL Certificate Setup:

  • Need an SSL certificate? I can help you install and configure it to secure your site.

• Testing and Monitoring:

  • I’ll test all redirects and monitor your site’s performance to ensure the issue is fully resolved.

• Customized Support:

  • I provide personalized support to address any additional issues that may arise.

Why Choose My Service?

1. Expertise:

   • With years of experience in WordPress and international SEO, I ensure a hassle-free solution.

2. Affordable Rates:

   • Get premium services at competitive prices.

3. Timely Delivery:

   • I respect your time and guarantee prompt results.

4. Long-Term Benefits:

   • Fixing this issue not only improves your SEO but also enhances user trust and experience.

Get in Touch

Ready to fix your WordPress canonical URL issues and boost your site’s performance? Contact me today for a consultation!

• Email: [email protected]

• Services Available On: UpWork and LinkedIn.

Check my SEO Service

Let’s resolve your website’s URL inconsistencies and unlock its full potential!