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Keyword Cannibalization: How to Find, Fix, and Prevent It
SEO
When it comes to SEO, more content doesn’t always mean better rankings, especially if your pages are competing against each other. This is where Keyword Cannibalisation becomes a silent performance killer. If you’ve noticed fluctuations in your rankings, traffic inconsistencies, or underperforming pages despite a solid content plan, keyword cannibalisation might be the culprit.
This blog will help you understand what keyword cannibalisation is, how to identify it, and the keyword optimisation techniques you can use to resolve and prevent it from undermining your SEO efforts.
What Is Keyword Cannibalisation?
Keyword cannibalisation occurs when multiple pages on your website target the same keyword or set of closely related terms. Instead of reinforcing your site’s relevance, these pages end up competing with each other in the search results, causing confusion for search engines about which one should rank higher.
The result? Lower rankings for all involved pages, diluted authority, and lost opportunities for better traffic and engagement.
For instance, if you have three separate blog posts targeting the same keyword, like “best digital marketing tools”, none may rank effectively because Google can’t determine which page to prioritise. This is why a well-defined keyword strategy is critical for SEO success.
How to Find Cannibalised Keywords
Identifying keyword cannibalisation isn’t always straightforward, especially on large websites. But the right tools and methods can help you spot overlaps before they damage your rankings.
1. Use Google Search Operators
Search this on Google:
site:yourdomain.com "target keyword"
This will show all indexed pages using the keyword. If more than one page shows up, you may have a cannibalisation issue.
2. Leverage SEO Tools
Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Screaming Frog offer specific reports and filters to identify pages competing for the same keywords.
Look for:
Multiple URLs ranking for the same keyword
Fluctuating rankings for similar content
Internal competition on key landing pages
3. Use Google Search Console
Check performance reports in GSC. If multiple pages are receiving impressions or clicks for the same query, evaluate which one aligns best with your business goal and optimise accordingly.
Partnering with a seasoned SEO agency in Mumbai like Verve Media ensures these checks are done regularly and strategically, especially for larger websites with dozens or hundreds of indexed pages.
How to Fix Keyword Cannibalisation
Once you’ve spotted cannibalisation issues, it’s time to act. Depending on the severity and the value of the involved content, here are the most effective fixes:
1. Consolidate Content
If multiple blog posts target the same keyword and cover similar topics, consider merging them into one comprehensive piece. Then, 301 redirects the old URLs to the new ones.
This not only resolves cannibalisation but also strengthens your authority on the topic.
2. Differentiate Keyword Intent
Sometimes, content pieces are cannibalising because they aren’t optimised for distinct user intent. Adjust the target keywords and rewrite meta tags, headers, and on-page content to serve different intents.
For example:
Post A: “What Are Digital Marketing Tools?”
Post B: “Top 10 Digital Marketing Tools for Agencies in 2025”
3. Implement Canonical Tags
If two pages must exist for UX or structural reasons, use canonical tags to indicate which page Google should index and prioritise.
4. Update Internal Links
Link consolidation is key. Point internal links to the primary content you want to rank and avoid spreading link equity across competing pages.
Having expert guidance from a digital marketing agency in Mumbai can ensure your internal link structure is organised and supports your SEO hierarchy effectively.
How to Prevent Keyword Cannibalisation
Prevention is always better than a cure, especially in SEO. By integrating smart keyword optimisation techniques and planning ahead, you can stop cannibalisation before it starts.
1. Create a Keyword Map
Before creating new content, map out your existing keyword targets. Assign one primary keyword to one URL and plan supporting keywords accordingly.
This serves as your content blueprint and ensures that no two pages chase the same goal.
2. Conduct Regular Content Audits
Schedule quarterly audits to identify outdated or underperforming pages that may be competing with newer content. These audits also help improve content quality and site structure.
3. Centralise Keyword Research
Avoid multiple departments or writers targeting the same keywords unknowingly. Centralise keyword research and strategy through your SEO lead or agency partner.
4. Be Intent-Focused
Instead of obsessing over keyword repetition, focus on user intent. Create content that solves different problems, answers varied questions, and targets distinct stages of the customer journey.
Using the expertise of an SEO agency in Mumbai, you can align your content plan with a scalable keyword strategy that evolves with your
Final Thoughts
Keyword cannibalisation is one of the most common and overlooked issues in SEO. Left unchecked, it can dilute your authority, hurt your rankings, and make your content efforts less effective. But the good news? It’s entirely fixable and preventable.
By conducting thorough keyword audits, creating focused content, and regularly refining your SEO plan, you can ensure every page on your site serves a unique purpose and ranks for the right queries.
Verve Media, a results-driven digital marketing agency in Mumbai, offers comprehensive solutions to fix keyword cannibalisation, streamline your content architecture, and implement smart keyword optimisation techniques tailored to your industry. As a trusted SEO agency in Mumbai, we help brands like yours create and maintain an SEO ecosystem built for growth.
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