Keyword Cannibalization

Definition

Keyword cannibalization occurs when multiple pages on the same website target the same keyword or search intent, causing them to compete with each other in search results. This can confuse search engines about which page to rank, often resulting in neither page performing well.

Why It Matters for SEO

Cannibalization splits your ranking signals (backlinks, internal links, user engagement) across multiple pages instead of concentrating them on one strong page. Identifying and consolidating cannibalized pages can produce immediate ranking improvements.