Keyword Cannibalization

Definition

Keyword cannibalization refers to a situation where multiple pages on a website target the same or very similar keywords. This results in the website’s own pages competing against each other in search engine results pages (SERPs).

This situation may dilute your SEO efforts because search engines, like Google, may not be able to identify which page is more relevant for the targeted keyword, resulting in lower rankings and less traffic.

Keyword Cannibalization Relevance For SEO

Keyword cannibalization is relevant for SEO because it can negatively impact search rankings and traffic. When pages compete for the same keywords, it divides the strength of the website across multiple URLs. This makes it harder for search engines to determine which page to rank higher. Often, both cannibalized pages end up ranking lower than they could if properly optimized.

Keyword Cannibalization Best Practices for SEO

There are several best practices to avoid keyword cannibalization:

1. Use Keyword Mapping: This practice not only helps to avoid keyword cannibalization, but it also assists in maintaining a well-structured and organized website. Each webpage should target a unique main keyword along with its related phrases.
2. Merge Similar Content: If there are several pages with identical or similar content targeting the same keyword, it’s generally beneficial to combine these pages into a single, comprehensive page to enhance the user experience and boost SEO.
3. Use Canonical Tags: These tell search engines that a specific URL represents the master copy of a page. Using these tags helps prevent issues caused by identical or “duplicate” content appearing on multiple URLs.
4. Use 301 Redirects: If you have duplicate pages and you want to eliminate keyword cannibalization, you can redirect (using a 301 redirect) the less important page(s) to the page you want to rank higher.