Keyword cannibalization
Keyword cannibalization occurs when multiple pages on the same site compete for the same search term, weakening each other's ranking.
Cannibalization is more than duplicate content — it's strategic overlap. Two good, original pages both aiming to rank for 'SEO Breda' split backlinks and signals across two URLs instead of strengthening one. Google usually ends up showing the 'wrong' page. Solutions: merge, canonical to one primary, or split around different search intents.
Example
An agency has three articles: 'What is SEO', 'SEO for beginners', 'SEO basics'. All target 'what is SEO'. Consolidating into one pillar resolves cannibalization and improves ranking.
Frequently asked questions
How do I detect cannibalization?
Search Console > Performance > filter on a keyword, group by page. Multiple URLs with impressions for the same keyword? Potential cannibalization.
Related terms
Further reading
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