Keyword cannibalization across URLs

When several URLs on your site receive impressions for the same query, Google must choose which page fits best—often splitting signals. Cannibalization hints help you decide whether to merge, differentiate, or canonicalize.

What we look for

From stored weekly Search Console facts, we group competing URLs per query and pick a preferred page using recent clicks, position, and impressions. Non-preferred URLs receive an issue row with context in extra_data. A query that is only the site name or domain is skipped. A query that contains a term saved under Exclude queries containing these terms on the website Overview is skipped too.

What to do

Strengthen one primary URL for the intent, redirect or consolidate thin duplicates, or clearly differentiate pages so each targets distinct intents.

Example

If two URLs compete for the same intent, pick one canonical page and point the other to it (HTTP redirect at the server), or merge the content into a single URL:

<!-- Preferred primary URL: full product detail -->

<link rel="canonical" href="https://example.com/products/leather-tote" />

<!-- Secondary URL should either redirect (server-side 301) to the primary
or target a clearly different intent with unique title and copy -->

Technical details

Uses the same retention window as other GSC possibilities. See Search Console data in SEO Perception.