Keyword Cannibalization
Definition
Keyword Cannibalization happens when a website has multiple pages targeting the same or similar keywords, potentially confusing search engines and diluting the SEO effectiveness of these pages. This can lead to lower rankings for all the competing pages.
In Google Search Console, keyword cannibalization can be identified by analyzing the Performance report. If multiple pages are ranking for the same query but with fluctuating positions, it might indicate cannibalization. The URL Inspection tool can also help in understanding which page Google considers most relevant for a specific keyword.
Related Terms
Internal Linking
Internal Linking is the practice of hyperlinking to other pages within the same website, helping to establish site architecture and spread link equity.
Ranking
Ranking refers to the position at which a particular web page appears in the search engine results for a specific query.
URL Inspection
The URL Inspection tool in Google Search Console allows you to check the index status of a specific URL and request indexing if needed.