Duplicate Content

[EcomLkwd]

Part of a site I am working on, features many different bags in all thicknesses colors and sizes. I'm getting an error when some pages have different content like different thicknesses. The only differences between the pages are a single digit - but in trash bags that makes it a whole different product! I can't do a canonical because it's not the same.

For example: http://www.plasticplace.net/index.php?file=productdetail&iprod_id=274 and  http://www.plasticplace.net/index.php?file=productdetail&iprod_id=268

Any ideas?

[inboundauthority]

Rachel,

If your ecommerce cms/platform allows you to use variants that would be one way to avoid showing up with near identical content for the same product. The different thickness bag is simply a variation of the product just like you might have a yellow, black, red, and blue version of the same pair of shoes. Usually a variant is implemented with a dropdown button on the product page.

[Mike.Goracke]

Hi Rachel,

Personally, if this is an SEOmoz or other software error, I would disregard it. The reason I would disregard it is your titles and content are different... even if it is just by 1 character. This approach does make sense for your niche.

Now, IF you were having problems getting both of these pages indexed or if Google sends you a duplicate content message, that would be cause for some concern.

I just Googled clear contractor bags 42 gallon and I see both your 4mil and 3mil thicknesses listed in positions #7 and #8 respectively, as well as #1 and #2 under the Google Shopping area.

If I were you, I would not worry about it.

Mike