Keyword cannibalisation happens when multiple pages on your website target the same or very similar keywords, leading to internal competition. This confuses search engines, making it unclear which page should rank for a specific query. As a result, it can lower your website’s overall SEO performance, dilute your page’s authority, and reduce its chances of ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs).
Common Causes of Keyword Cannibalisation:
- Targeting Identical Keywords on Multiple Pages
When multiple pages optimize for the same keyword, they compete for ranking. - Overlapping Content Topics
Creating similar content around the same keyword without properly differentiating it can lead to cannibalisation. - Poor Site Structure
An inefficient URL structure or navigation that doesn’t properly organize content can exacerbate the problem. - Using Identical Meta Tags
Similar meta titles and descriptions across several pages can send mixed signals to search engines. - Lack of Clear Content Differentiation
Without clear differentiation, pages that cover the same subject matter could rank similarly, competing for the same keyword.
How to Avoid Keyword Cannibalisation:
- Consolidate Content
Combine pages that target similar keywords into a single, comprehensive page. This will help to increase the page’s authority and relevance. - Target Unique Keywords for Each Page
Perform in-depth keyword research to assign specific keywords to individual pages, ensuring there’s no overlap. - Optimize Your Site Structure
Use a clear and logical site architecture, making sure each page has a unique purpose and doesn’t compete with others. - Implement Canonical Tags
If you have similar content on multiple pages, use canonical tags to tell search engines which version is the “preferred” one. - Focus on Intent and Differentiation
Ensure your pages cover different aspects of a topic and address various user intents. This can help each page rank for distinct queries.
Conclusion:
Keyword cannibalisation can be harmful to your SEO strategy, but by paying attention to content differentiation, conducting thorough keyword research, and improving your site structure, you can avoid this issue and boost your search rankings. Keep your content organized and focused, and always aim for relevance and clarity to help search engines understand what each page offers.
