Cononical URL problem

[BobGW]

Hello,

In the keywords difficulty tool, one of my client's sites has a different number for links to root domain and links to page even though they're both the home page.

How do I tell if I have a cononical URL problem, and what do I do about it if I do?

Thank you.

[Desiree-CP]

The Keyword Difficulty Tool doesn't tell you if you have a canonical URL problem.  The metrics used in that report highlight inbound links and are separated into two categories:

1. Root Domain Linking Root Domain - this is the total number of unique root domains links to your entire website regardless if it's the home page, contact, about, testimonials, etc.

2. Page Linking Root Domains - this is the total number of unique root domains linking to that specific page ONLY and in your case, the home page.

[BobGW]

I see. That makes sense

[BandLeader]

My understanding is that in the Keywords Difficulty tool, "Page Linking Root Domains" is the number of different root domains linking to that exact page that is ranking for the keyword that you entered into the tool, whereas "Root Domain Linking Root Domains" (kind of mouthful) is the number of different root domains linking to anywhere on your root domain (in other words, any page on your site). The latter should always be higher than the former, whether it's the home page or not, unless the only links you have are to your home page.