After identifying keyword cannibalization on your website, it’s time to take action. Here are the top techniques we use to fix it, along with suggestions on when each solution is most effective.

1. Consolidate Similar Pages
When to Apply: If you have two or more pages covering almost the same topic and targeting the same keyword, combining them into one comprehensive page is the way to go.
Steps:
- Evaluate both pages and decide which one has better content, backlinks, and traffic.
- Merge the valuable content from the second page into the stronger one.
- Set up a 301 redirect from the less important page to the main one to transfer any SEO value.
Why It Works: This boosts your ranking by consolidating all SEO signals (backlinks, rankings) into one strong page instead of spreading them across multiple pages.
2. Use Canonical Tags
Best for: When you want to keep several similar pages live but need to signal to search engines which one to prioritize, especially when there is overlapping content (like product variations or slightly different content).
How to Do It:
- Choose the main page that should rank for the keyword.
- Add canonical tags to the other pages, pointing them to the main one.
Why It Works: Canonical tags prevent search engines from splitting ranking signals across similar pages, so they focus on the most relevant one.
3. Adjust Content to Serve Different Intents
Effective When: If two pages target the same keyword but serve different user needs, like one offering information and the other selling a service. Adjust the content to match those distinct intents.
How to Adjust Content:
For example, one page can provide a “How to Design a Website” guide (informational), while the other promotes your web design services (transactional).
Update Titles and Keywords:
Rename the guide to “How to Design a Professional Website: Step-by-Step” and the service page to “Professional Web Design Services.” This helps search engines understand each page’s unique purpose.
Why It Works: By targeting different user needs, you avoid competing with yourself and improve the chances of ranking for both purposes.
4. Optimize Internal Linking and Anchor Text
When to Use: If keyword cannibalization is happening due to confusing internal links, especially if you’re using the same anchor text across multiple pages.
Steps:
- Review the internal links pointing to the competing pages.
- Change the anchor text to reflect each page’s unique focus, like switching “basketball shoes” to “high-top basketball shoes” for one and “lightweight basketball shoes” for another.
Why It Works: Properly optimized anchor text and internal linking guide search engines, ensuring they prioritize the correct page for each keyword.
5. Rewrite and Restructure Content
Ideal For: When two pages cover the same topic from slightly different angles, but you don’t want to merge them. You can rewrite the content to target different audiences.
Revise Titles and Headers:
For example, if you have two pages on fitness routines, make one for beginners, titled “Simple Fitness Routines for Beginners,” and the other for more experienced users, titled “Advanced Fitness Routines for Strength.”
Update Content:
Tailor the content on each page to address specific user needs. One page can cover basic fitness tips, while the other offers in-depth strategies for advanced users.
Why It Works: This way, each page serves its own audience, avoiding direct competition between them.
When Should Keyword Cannibalization Be Addressed?
Keyword overlaps happen on most websites, but you only need to fix them when they negatively affect performance. It becomes a problem when traffic is split between pages, weakening their overall rankings.
Start by identifying which pages are causing the issue, then work on fixing them. Since this process is time-consuming, we recommend using a tool to automate keyword cannibalization detection.
How to Detect Issues Using Tools
Here are some tools to help you identify keyword cannibalization:
- Google Search Console: Manually check which pages are ranking for a single keyword. This is a great free option for spotting potential overlaps.
- Ahrefs: Use Site Explorer to find keyword overlaps for a single keyword and see which pages are competing with each other. Ideal for detailed keyword analysis.
- SEMrush: Track your list of keywords over time using the Position Tracking tool to see which pages are competing for the same terms. Perfect for ongoing keyword monitoring.
How PrioNow Helps You Fix Keyword Overlaps
PrioNow automates your content audits by scanning your entire website to find keyword overlaps and opportunities. You don’t need to manually check each keyword, PrioNow shows you which pages need attention, saving you time and helping you focus on what really matters.
Conclusion
Fixing keyword cannibalization is essential for improving your site’s SEO performance. Whether you’re merging pages, using canonical tags, or optimizing content for different intents, these strategies will help each of your pages rank for the right keywords. Always rely on data for decision-making and regularly monitor your site for cannibalization issues.