Keyword Cannibalisation
When multiple pages on your site compete for the same keyword, splitting authority between them. The result: none of them rank as well as a single, consolidated page would.
Why It Matters
Keyword cannibalisation is one of the most common - and most overlooked - SEO problems. It happens when you have two or more pages targeting the same keyword. Google doesn't know which one to rank, so it alternates between them or picks neither.
The effect is that instead of one strong page concentrating all ranking signals (backlinks, internal links, content authority), you have two mediocre pages splitting everything. Both pages underperform what a single consolidated page would achieve.
In Practice
Search for your target keywords in Google Search Console and see which pages appear. If multiple URLs show impressions for the same keyword, you likely have cannibalisation.
Fix it by consolidating. Merge the content from competing pages into one comprehensive page, then 301 redirect the other to it. The consolidated page inherits the backlinks and authority from both.
Prevent cannibalisation by mapping keywords to pages before creating content. Maintain a keyword-to-URL map that's your single source of truth. Every target keyword should have exactly one designated page.
Related Terms
Glossary
Keyword Research
Finding what your audience searches for - the foundation of every SEO strategy.
Glossary
Duplicate Content
The same content appearing on multiple URLs - confuses Google about which to rank.
Glossary
Redirect (301 vs 302)
301 is permanent (transfers ranking signals), 302 is temporary - use the right one.
Glossary
Internal Link
Links between pages on your own site - the most underrated SEO lever available.
Know the Words.
Now See Them in Action.
Free teardown. No jargon. Just what's broken and how to fix it.
Get The Teardown