How to Avoid Keyword Cannibalization and Boost Your Search Engine Rankings in 2023

Optimizing the websites for search engines can lead to keyword cannibalization which is a common issue for website owners and marketers. A website’s visibility is reduced when multiple pages target the same keyword, resulting in confusion for search engines. This article explains keyword cannibalization. Why it’s a problem, and how you can avoid it to boost your SEO.

What is Keyword Cannibalization?

It occurs when many pages on a website mark similar keywords. In addition to using the same keywords in the title tags, meta descriptions, and content of various blog posts or product pages. This can result in keyword cannibalization. As a result, search engines are confused about which page of the website is most relevant to a given search query.

Keyword Cannibalization: Why is it a Problem?

Search engines have difficulty in determining which pages on a website are most relevant for a particular search query. When keyword cannibalization occurs, it can weakens a website’s authority and make it more difficult for search engines to understand. Search engines face difficulty in defining the pages to rank for the same keyword. Targeting of multiple pages for same keyword result in decreasing traffic and visibility.

3 Signs of Keyword Cannibalization in SEO

You may be experiencing keyword cannibalization on your website if you notice the following signs:

Your Top-Ranking URLs Change Often:

You may find that many pages on your site are pointing to a similar keyword. In this case, there are chances that your ranked URL may change. It happens because search engines find the most relevant content about given keyword. When there will be more than one URLs related to same keywords, search engine may get confused in deciding the most suitable result.

Your Website Is Getting Less Traffic:

It may be a sign that keyword cannibalization is taking place, if you notice that your website is receiving less traffic than you expected. Even though it is ranking well for specific keywords. A website’s visibility and traffic can suffer. If numerous sides target similar keywords.

Your Website’s Pages Are Not Ranking:

It could be a symbol that keyword cannibalization is occurring if your website pages don’t get ranking. As well as you expect, despite being optimized for specific keywords. Selecting between various pages with similar keywords and the material can be interesting for search engines when they are trying to decide which page to show in the search results.

Avoiding Keyword Cannibalization

In order to avoid keyword cannibalization on your website, you can take the following steps:

1. Conduct a Keyword Audit:

• Identify which pages are targeting the same keywords.
• Find the keywords that are most important for your website as it is the first step in avoiding keyword cannibalization.

2. Consolidate Content:

• Combine the content from various pages onto a single page for specific keyword.
• Make sure that only one page is targeting the particular keyword.

3. Use Different Variations of Your Keywords:

• Use Keyword synonyms or variations to avoid cannibalization.
• Using variations of keywords can help you to rank multiple pages.
• Make sure that each page aims for a unique keyword.  

4.Utilize 301 Redirects:

• Use 301 redirect to avoid keyword cannibalization.
• Divert your traffic from various pages to single ranked page.
• It ensures the indexing of particular page for specific keyword.

5. Optimize Title Tags And Meta Descriptions:

• Optimize your title to avoid cannibalization.
• Change meta description for each page on your website.

Boosting Your SEO:

You can also improve your search engine ranking by avoiding keyword cannibalization. When each page on your website has a clear, concise, and unique message it will cause good impact on search engine. The search engines will understand its relevancy and rank it higher.

By avoiding keyword cannibalization, you can also build the authority and trust of a specific page; by doing so. You’re increasing its chances of ranking higher in search engine results.

Tips to Fix Keyword Cannibalization

Search engines can correct websites that use keyword stuffing to boost their ranking on Google search results. This practice is not only wrong, but it can also result in drawbacks.

To avoid this, it’s vital to conduct recurrent tag reviews which ensure your website’s pages are associated with current trends and working words. You may also be able to avoid keyword cannibalization this way. As well as provide your audience with relevant content on your website at all times.

You may hire a professional SEO company to get rid from this problem. A skilled SEO concern can analyze your website’s content and identify the examples of keyword cannibalization.

By optimizing your content, they can help you avoid keyword verbalization and improve your search engine rankings. In addition, you can change your content, meta tags, and internal linking structure.

The company can monitor your website and make adjustments, if necessary. Don’t let your website fall behind – stay on top with your keyword strategy.

SEO Tools to Detect Keyword Cannibalization

You can make a spreadsheet to avoid this problem. If this is not possible, then you have the option of SEO tools to find keywords that are problematic. There are multiple tools available for this purpose and the working of each is different. You can use anyone of the following tools.

Keylogs Keyword Cannibalization Checker

SEMrush Position Tracking Tool

Google Search Console

SEOScout Cannibalization Checker

Moz Keyword Explorer

 Final Result

Ultimately, keyword cannibalization can negatively influence the search engine visibility and traffic of your website. The issue can be avoided, however, by being aware of it and taking steps to avoid it. Website owners and marketers can improve their SEO and drive more traffic to their websites.

Ensure you’re receiving the most out of your SEO efforts. Make sure your content is fresh and up-to-date.