Keyword Cannibalisation: How to Identify and Fix It
Keyword cannibalisation happens when multiple pages on your site target the same keyword, competing with each other for the same ranking.
Why It's a Problem
Google has to choose one page to rank. When it's unclear which is 'the' page, it may:
- Rank neither page as well as a single consolidated page would
- Rank the wrong page (not your best converting one)
- Confuse users who land on a less relevant page
How to Identify It
Method 1: Google Search Console
Filter the Performance report by query. If the same query shows multiple different URLs with significant impressions, you have cannibalisation.
Method 2: Google site search
`site:yourdomain.com "target keyword"` — multiple results for the same keyword signal cannibalisation.
Method 3: Screaming Frog
Export all page titles and meta descriptions. Sort alphabetically. Similar titles may indicate competing pages.
How to Fix It
Option 1: Consolidate — Merge the two pages into one comprehensive page. Redirect the weaker URL to the stronger one.
Option 2: Differentiate — If both pages serve genuine distinct purposes, change their targeting. Page A targets 'X in Mumbai', page B targets 'X for freelancers'.
Option 3: Canonical — If one is a duplicate for functional reasons (print version, etc.), add a canonical tag pointing to the primary.
Option 4: Noindex — If one page doesn't need to rank (thank-you page, internal tool), add noindex.
