Introduction
Have you ever created multiple pages or blogs about the same thing, thinking that if you add more content pages about that keyword you will rank better? Only to find out it may hurt you more than it helps you? That is keyword cannibalization, and you are not alone.
If you have never heard this phrase, do not be embarrassed. It is a legitimate issue that may be subtly damaging your SEO without you being aware of it. No need to panic – I am going to break everything down into very simple terms. In this post, I’m going to guide you through what keyword cannibalization is, the reason you need to resolve it, and ways to resolve it without getting into anything technical.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
What is Keyword Cannibalization in SEO?
Why is Keyword Cannibalization a Problem?
How to Identify Keyword Cannibalization
Keyword Cannibalization SEO Best Practices
What is Keyword Cannibalization in SEO?
Keyword cannibalization happens when different pages on your website are trying to rank for the same keyword. Instead of helping your rankings, these pages compete with one another. Google then has to pick one or might not rank any of them well.
It’s like opening two stores on the same street selling the same thing. They end up splitting the traffic, and neither does great.
Why is Keyword Cannibalization a Problem?
Here’s why targeting the same keyword on multiple pages can backfire:
- Google spreads your authority between those pages
- It can lower your rankings instead of improving them
- Your pages might keep swapping positions in search results
- Visitors may land on the wrong page and leave quickly
How to Identify Keyword Cannibalization
You don’t need expensive tools to find it. Try these steps:
1. Google Site Search
Type this into Google: site:yourdomain.com “your keyword”
If several pages show up, and they’re all about the same thing, it could be an issue.
2. Check in Search Console
In Google Search Console, go to Performance → Pages → then filter by keyword. If multiple URLs are listed for the same term, take a closer look.
3. Use SEO Tools
Platforms like Ahrefs or SEMrush show keyword overlaps. These are helpful to quickly spot if different pages are fighting over the same keyword.
What Causes Keyword Cannibalization?
It often happens when:
- You write too many articles on the same subject
- You reuse the same keywords without checking older content
- You forget to guide search engines with internal links
- You create similar product pages that aren’t clearly unique
How to Fix Keyword Cannibalization
Don’t worry — this is fixable. Here are a few methods:
1. Combine Similar Pages
If two articles are covering the same thing, merge them into one better post. Then redirect the old one to the new one.
2. Add Canonical Tags
This tells search engines which page is the “main” one when you have similar content.
3. Rethink Internal Links
Link from other parts of your site to the page you want to rank. This shows Google which page is the most important.
4. Change the Focus
Update your pages to target different keywords. Long-tail keywords or more specific topics are a great way to avoid overlap.
Real-Life Example
Say you’ve written:
- “Beginner’s Guide to SEO Basics”
- “Top SEO Tips for Beginners”
- “SEO for Beginners: Start Here”
All are trying to rank for “SEO for beginners.” Google might not know which one is the best, and all three might struggle.
Fix: Combine them into a single, well-structured post with all the good info from each.
Keyword Cannibalization SEO Best Practices
| What to Do | Why It Matters |
| Review your content often | Helps you spot overlaps early |
| Use a keyword map | Keeps each page focused and unique |
| Stay focused per page | Keeps your message clear |
| Build internal links | Boosts the right page and guides search bots |
Conclusion: Let Each Page Do Its Job
Keyword cannibalization won’t get you penalized, but it can hold you back. Luckily, once you know how to find and fix it, your content can work together — not compete.
Make sure every page has a unique purpose. Assign one keyword per page, keep your content focused, and your site will perform better across the
FAQs
Q1. What is keyword cannibalization in SEO?
Keyword cannibalization happens when more than one page on your website tries to rank for the same keyword. Instead of helping you rank better, these pages end up competing with each other and may all perform poorly in search results.
Q2. How do I know if my site has keyword cannibalization?
You can check by searching your keyword in Google using site:yourdomain.com “keyword” or by reviewing performance data in Google Search Console. If multiple pages are showing up for the same keyword, it’s worth investigating.
Q3. Can keyword cannibalization hurt my rankings?
Yes. It can confuse search engines, dilute your content authority, and make it harder for your best page to rank well. It often leads to unstable rankings and poor user experience.
Q4. How can I fix keyword cannibalization?
Start by identifying overlapping pages, then either combine similar content into one strong page or assign different keywords to each page. You can also use canonical tags or adjust internal linking to prioritize one page over others.
Q5. How can I prevent keyword cannibalization in the future?
Create a keyword map to assign unique target keywords to each page. Before writing new content, check if you’ve already covered the topic. Also, keep reviewing your existing content regularly to avoid overlap.
Mohit Verma I am an experienced professional with 9+ years of experience in Search Engine Optimization. I am on a mission to provide industry focused job oriented SEO so the students/mentees can get their dream SEO job and and start working from day 1.
