# Keyword Cannibalization

> When multiple pages on your site compete for the same keyword.

Source: https://anotherseoguru.com/en/glossary/keyword-cannibalization

Keyword cannibalization occurs when multiple pages on the same website target the same or very similar keywords, causing them to compete against each other in search results. This can dilute ranking signals and confuse search engines.

## Example

Having '/best-running-shoes' and '/top-running-shoes-2026' both targeting 'best running shoes' causes cannibalization.

## How to apply it

Audit your content for overlapping keywords, consolidate similar pages into one comprehensive piece, use canonical tags, or differentiate content focus.

> **Pro tip:** Use GSC to identify cannibalization: if multiple URLs rank for the same query and swap positions, you likely have cannibalization.

## Related terms

- [Canonical Tag](https://anotherseoguru.com/en/glossary/canonical-tag)