
Meta Expands Marketing API to Support Ads in Threads Feed

Key Takeaways from Google Marketing Live 2025

Discord Launches Reward-Based Ads
9 minutes
Keyword cannibalization occurs when two or more pages on the same website target the same or very similar keywords and share the same search intent. As a result, these pages start competing against each other in search engine results. This issue is often confused with duplicate content or topical overlap, but there are important differences.
The key factor is user intent. If several of your pages unintentionally address the same audience need, they can interfere with each other’s ability to rank highly in search engines. In this article, we will explain how keyword cannibalization differs from other similar issues, how to identify it, and what steps to take to fix the problem.
Although these concepts are similar, they are not identical:
Keyword cannibalization perfectly illustrates the saying: “Too much of a good thing can be bad.” If your SEO strategy involves creating multiple pages targeting the same keywords, hoping to “outcompete” rivals, it actually harms your site instead of helping it.
Here’s how keyword cannibalization negatively impacts SEO:
Example:
Stampli has two pages ranking in Google’s top 10 for the query “best accounts payable software”:
It’s important for the company that the product page ranks high for this commercial query. But having a blog covering a similar topic can dilute the product page’s authority, preventing it from ranking higher.
Also, the 10th position typically gets only about 2.4% of clicks, while the 3rd gets 11%, and the first position can get over 30%. This difference significantly impacts traffic and potential sales.
Before fixing the problem, you need to know exactly where it occurs. There are several ways to identify keyword cannibalization on your site:
Query format:site:yourdomain.com "keyword"
Example:site:example.com "online insurance"
This will show all pages containing this keyword. Don’t worry if there are many results — not all of them necessarily rank for this query. But it’s a good start to spot internal competition between your pages.
Tip:
Focus on the top results — these are the most likely candidates for cannibalization conflicts.
How to find it:
You’ll then see:
This helps decide which page to keep, which to modify, and which to merge or remove.
&filter=0
to the Google search URL.This disables grouping of multiple results from the same domain and shows how many pages from your site rank separately. It helps find pages that Google usually “hides.”
During your audit, watch out for:
Keyword cannibalization happens when multiple pages on your site are optimized for the same keyword or share a similar search intent. This creates competition between pages and reduces your chances of ranking high in Google. Here’s how to fix it:
Option 1: Merge Pages
When to use: Pages target the same keyword and have the same search intent.
Option 2: Differentiate by Search Intent
When to use: Pages share the same keyword but serve different user needs.
Before implementing, make sure the new keywords:
a) Have real search volume
b) Match your product or service
Option 3: Use Canonical Tags
When to use: Pages are similar, but both should remain on the site.
<link rel="canonical" href="URL-of-main-page">
tag on the less important page. This signals to search engines which version to consider primary.Important: The canonical tag doesn’t block indexing or guarantee Google won’t rank duplicates. It should be used alongside other fixes.
Option 4: Audit and Optimize Internal Linking
When to use: Your internal linking structure is amplifying competition between pages.
Option 5: De-index or Use noindex Tag (Last Resort)
When to use: If a page brings no traffic, duplicates core content, and has no SEO value.
<meta name="robots" content="noindex">
to remove the page from search engine indexes.Example: A helper page important for user navigation but shouldn’t compete in search results.
Warning: This method can cause loss of existing traffic, backlinks, or page authority. Make sure no important internal links point to the de-indexed page.
To avoid keyword cannibalization, a proactive and structured approach is necessary. Here’s where to start:
A keyword map is a document or system where each page is assigned a unique keyword before it is created. This allows you to:
Example approach:
Build a content strategy based on the pillar/cluster model.
Another simple but effective step is to craft URLs based on the primary keyword of the page.
This helps search engines better understand your site structure and the topical focus of each page.
Example:
For an article optimized for the query “accounting software for startups”:www.example.com/blog/startup-accounting-software
SEO should be integrated into every stage of website and content creation, not just as a final optimization step.
Smooth collaboration between teams prevents keyword duplication.
In practice, this may mean:
Periodic audits help detect early signs of keyword cannibalization, such as:
Each of these indicators alone may seem like random fluctuations, but together they signal deeper problems, including keyword cannibalization.
Helpful tools and practices:
Use SEO tools like Semrush Site Audit for automated checks. These tools allow you to:
If you want to save time on self-audits or need a comprehensive strategy without the risk of keyword cannibalization, consider ordering SEO services from UAMASTER. We will analyze your site, fix weaknesses, and help build stable organic traffic growth.
This article avaliable in Ukrainian.
Say hello to us!
A leading global agency in Clutch's top-15, we've been mastering the digital space since 2004. With 9000+ projects delivered in 65 countries, our expertise is unparalleled.
Let's conquer challenges together!
performance_marketing_engineers/
performance_marketing_engineers/
performance_marketing_engineers/
performance_marketing_engineers/
performance_marketing_engineers/
performance_marketing_engineers/
performance_marketing_engineers/
performance_marketing_engineers/