Keyword Cannibalisation

Definition

When multiple pages on the same site compete for the same query, splitting signals and weakening all of them.

Keyword cannibalisation happens when two or more pages target the same intent and keyword, forcing search engines to choose between them and diluting link equity, relevance, and click-through across the set. The symptoms include fluctuating rankings, the wrong page ranking, and neither page performing to its potential. The fix is usually consolidation - merging the pages, redirecting one, or clearly differentiating their intent - so each query has a single, unambiguous best answer on the site.