Canonical tags and redirects: when do you use each?

[backlinktalk]

A redirect moves a visitor to a different URL. A canonical tag identifies a preferred URL among duplicate or very similar pages while leaving the current page accessible.

For a proposed implementation, explain whether the old page still needs to exist, how internal links point to it, and whether the destination is equivalent.

Bring an example URL pattern or a simplified scenario and we can work through the options.

[IndexLab]

It helps to write down the intended visitor experience first. Should the visitor reach a replacement automatically, or should several accessible versions remain available while one is preferred for indexing?

Then inspect the response and the declared canonical on each representative URL. The implementation should match that intention, and the preferred URL still needs to be accessible and useful.