Keyword cannibalization is a phenomenon that occurs when multiple pages on a website target the same keyword or phrase, resulting in competition between those pages for ranking in search results. This competition can dilute the authority and relevance of a website for a particular keyword, leading to a decrease in rankings and visibility in search results.
Keyword cannibalization can arise for a variety of reasons, including poor keyword research, lack of organization in a website’s content hierarchy, and failure to properly optimize pages for specific keywords. As a result, search engines may struggle to determine which page on a website is the most relevant and authoritative for a particular keyword, leading to confusion and dilution of ranking power.
To avoid keyword cannibalization, website owners should conduct thorough keyword research and mapping, create a clear and organized content hierarchy, and optimize each page for a specific set of keywords. Additionally, they should monitor their website’s search performance and adjust their strategy as needed to ensure that they are avoiding keyword cannibalization and maximizing their visibility and ranking power in search results.
Overall, keyword cannibalization can have a negative impact on a website’s search visibility and performance, and website owners should take steps to avoid it in order to ensure that their site is ranking well for relevant keywords and attracting organic traffic.