Keyword cannibalization, also referred to as URL cannibalization, occurs when multiple pages from a domain compete for the same keyword(s). This SEO issue can harm your rankings but can be easily resolved with a strategic approach.
Search engine optimization requires careful keyword placement for each subpage. Avoid reusing specific search terms or keyword sets, as an essential SEO principle is to allocate keywords to a single URL. Keyword cannibalization happens when multiple subpages use identical keywords, or when new keywords overlap with those already ranking.
Keyword cannibalization usually arises unintentionally. It often occurs when SEO managers overlook older, content-rich domains. Here are common scenarios:
Prevent keyword cannibalization by documenting your keyword strategy and regularly reviewing your domain’s rankings. This helps ensure new optimizations don't overlap with current rankings.
Following the rule of thumb—one main keyword per URL—will ensure a single URL ranks for a specific keyword set.
Detecting keyword cannibalization can be done using various methods. Tools like the Conductor Platform provide website monitoring to identify keyword overlap across subpages or folders.
Use Google search with operators like ‘site:’ to restrict results to your website, and ‘intitle:’ or ‘inurl:’ to search for specific keywords. Example queries:
These queries list subpages with the keyword in their title or URL, highlighting duplicate optimizations. Google’s Search Console is also useful for finding duplicate rankings and keyword cannibalization.
To resolve keyword cannibalization or prevent it, consider these strategies:
If a URL receives fewer impressions and clicks, use a 301 redirect to channel traffic to a better-performing page.
Merge two or more pages with relevant content into a new, consolidated page.
To retain both pages, apply a noindex tag to the less important page, preventing it from appearing in search results.
Revise and expand your keyword set, especially for older content, introducing new, relevant keywords. Longtail keywords are crucial here.
If two pages are duplicates and one lacks unique value, a canonical tag in the source code can indicate to search engines which page is preferred, keeping both indexed while prioritizing one.
Optimizing multiple pages for the same keyword is generally ineffective. Such overlapping rankings can prevent any single page from achieving a high position in search results. Identifying and addressing these overlaps is a crucial step in refining your SEO strategy.
Assess your situation to choose the best solution based on the extent of affected subpages, keyword focus, and available resources.