Keyword cannibalisation is a common SEO problem that can quietly harm your website’s search rankings. This situation means your pages end up competing with each other’s chances of ranking well, which leads to lower traffic. With search engines getting smarter every day, it’s more important to fix these issues quickly and correctly.
In this blog, you’ll find simple yet expert advice on what keyword cannibalisation really means, how to find it on your site, and proven ways to fix and prevent it. The goal is to help you take good control of SEO and help you improve your website’s organic traffic.
What Is Keyword Cannibalisation?
Imagine you have several pages on your website, all trying to rank for the same keyword. Instead of helping you, these pages end up working against each other. That’s what keyword cannibalisation is — when multiple pages compete for the same or very similar search terms.
Why does this happen? Often, it’s because of overlapping content topics or unclear keyword targeting.
For example, you might have 2 blog posts and a product page, all optimised around “best seo agency in Delhi,” with each page covering the same thing. It is difficult for Google to decide which page to rank higher. The result? Your site’s authority for that keyword gets split, lowering the chance of any one page ranking well.
It’s worth noting that not all cases of keyword overlap are harmful. If each page addresses a unique aspect or intent of the keyword, it can actually boost your SEO. However, actually cannibalisation happens when the content essentially competes head-to-head, confusing both search engines and visitors.
Here’s a simple example: If one page targets “SEO services” and another targets “SEO services in Delhi,” they may complement each other by focusing on slightly different searches. But if two pages both aim to rank for “SEO services” with nearly identical content, they’re likely cannibalising.
Why Is Keyword Cannibalisation Harmful?
Keyword cannibalisation can cause several problems that can hold you back from ranking higher and getting more organic visitors on the right page.
- First, it gets difficult for search engines to choose the best page to show in the results. When multiple pages rank for the same queries, none of them stand out clearly. This can lead to lower rankings across all those pages instead of one page.
- Another major issue is the dilution of page authority (PA). Instead of having one strong page attracting all backlinks and user attention, multiple weaker pages divide the links and traffic. This fragmentation makes it harder for any single page to become authoritative in the eyes of search engines.
- Keyword Cannibalisation also hurts your click-through rate (CTR). When your site shows multiple similar pages in results, users may feel unsure about which one to click. Sometimes, your strongest page gets pushed down in rankings because of this split, losing valuable clicks to weaker pages.
- Finally, it can waste your crawl budget. Search engines spend time crawling pages that essentially say the same thing, which can slow down the discovery and indexing of your other valuable content.
How to Find Keyword Cannibalisation
Luckily, several straightforward methods and tools can help you fix this issue
1. Perform a Content Audit
Start by reviewing your existing pages and posts. Make a simple spreadsheet listing each URL along with the primary keyword it targets. This manual process helps you spot overlaps where multiple pages may be optimised around the same search terms. It’s especially useful for smaller sites or niche topics.
2. Use Google Search Console
Google Search Console (GSC) is a free and powerful tool. Inside GSC, go to the “Performance” section and filter by queries. Then check the “Pages” tab to see if multiple URLs rank for the same keyword. If you notice several pages drawing clicks and impressions for one query, it’s a red flag for cannibalisation.
3. Run Site: Search Queries
Another quick trick is to use the site: operator in Google. For example, type site:yourdomain.com ‘target keyword” into Google search. This displays all indexed pages that contain the keyword. From there, assess whether those pages have overlapping content or similar intent. It gives you a snapshot of potential cannibalisation but requires manual review.
4. Employ SEO Tools
SEO platforms like Semrush, Ahrefs, and Mangools offer dedicated cannibalisation reports. These tools track your rankings and highlight keywords with multiple pages competing against each other. They provide valuable insights with less manual work, especially useful if you manage a large website.
5. Analyse Ranking & Traffic Patterns
Look for fluctuations or drops in keyword rankings and traffic. Sudden dips might indicate internal competition between your pages. Comparing Google Analytics data alongside search rankings can reveal which pages are vying for the same audience.
Also Read: How to Improve Your Brand’s Local SEO to Attract Nearby Customers
How to Fix Keyword Cannibalisation Problems
The solution depends on why the cannibalisation is happening and how your content is structured. Here are some effective ways to deal with it:
1. Consolidate Similar Pages
If two or more pages cover almost the same topic, consider merging them into one resource. This creates a stronger page with better chances of ranking. You can redirect the old URLs to this main page to preserve any backlinks and traffic.
2. Use Canonical Tags
When you have multiple pages with very similar content that can’t be combined, such as different versions of a product, using canonical tags helps. These tags tell search engines which page is the “master” version to prioritise in search results, avoiding penalties for duplicate content.
3. Implement 301 Redirects
For pages that are weak or unnecessary but still attract traffic, use 301 redirects to send visitors and search engines to the most relevant page. This transfers the SEO value and prevents diluted rankings.
4. Adjust Internal Linking
Update your site’s internal links to point to the most important pages for each keyword. Use clear, descriptive anchor texts that align with your target keywords. This helps search engines understand which pages are the primary sources of information.
5. Differentiate Content Focus
If you want to keep similar pages, make sure each targets a unique angle or search intent. For example, one page can focus on “how-to” information while another addresses product reviews or comparisons. This reduces direct competition and adds value for users.
Bonus Tips for Managing Keyword Cannibalisation Like an SEO Pro
Here are some bonus tips for SEO Experts:
- Create a Keyword Map – Assign specific keywords to individual pages before you start creating content. This map acts like a blueprint, making sure every page has a unique focus and reducing the risks of overlap.
- Focus on Search Intent – Understand what your audience actually wants when they search for a keyword. Tailor each page to meet a distinct user need—whether it’s information, a product, or a solution.
- Use Pillar Content and Topic Clusters – Build strong, comprehensive pillar pages covering broad topics, then support them with cluster content targeting niche keywords. This structure helps search engines see your site as well-organised and authoritative.
- Regular Content Audits – Make it a habit to review your content periodically. Look for emerging cannibalisation issues and adjust your content or strategy to maintain clarity.
- Leverage Analytics – Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to monitor which pages rank and receive traffic for your keywords. If multiple pages fight for the same keyword, it’s time to act.
- Optimise Internal Linking – Point internal links strategically to your preferred pages. Clear and descriptive anchor text guides both users and search engines toward the right content.
Also Read: AI Search Update August 2025
Summary
Keyword cannibalisation can quietly hold your website back by making your pages compete with each other. When this happens, your website doesn’t rank as well as it should, and you miss out on valuable traffic.
The good news is you can fix it. By finding where keyword cannibalisation happens and taking steps like merging pages, setting canonical tags, and improving internal linking, you help search engines understand your site better. This can boost your rankings and make your best content easy for visitors to find.
If you want a comprehensive new age SEO strategy optimised with Google AI search engine. Book a Call with Savvytree, a digital marketing agency in Delhi. Start by checking your own website today. A small effort now can lead to bigger organic traffic and better results tomorrow.
