This occurs when multiple pages on the same website compete for the same keyword, negatively affecting search engine rankings.
Step-by-Step Plan / Checklist
- Select a Keyword:
- Choose a keyword you want to focus on.
- Filter by Search Query:
- Filter your data to show results only for the selected keyword.
- Navigate to the 'Pages' Tab:
- Go to the tab where you can see the pages displayed for the selected search query.
- Analyze the Pages:
- Review the list of pages that appear for the keyword.
- Check if multiple pages have the same purpose or similar content.
- Identify Keyword Cannibalisation:
- If you see several pages with the same intent or content for the keyword, there is keyword cannibalisation.
- Take Action:
- Consolidate Content: Combine similar pages into one strong page.
- Optimize Internal Links: Link relevant pages to the main page for that keyword.
- Review Keyword Assignment: Ensure each page targets a unique keyword.
Example Actions for Keyword Cannibalisation
- Merge Pages: Combine content from multiple pages targeting the same keyword into one comprehensive page.
- Remove or Redirect: Delete redundant pages or redirect them to the most relevant page.
- Assign Unique Keywords: Assign a unique keyword to each page to avoid internal competition.
By following these steps, you can reduce keyword cannibalisation and improve your website’s ranking.