keyword-cannibalization-prevention

name	keyword-cannibalization-prevention
description	Use when auditing site for keyword cannibalization. Multiple pages targeting same keyword = both lose rankings.

Keyword Cannibalization Prevention

Cannibalization = 2+ pages targeting same keyword. Causes: split authority, confused user intent, neither page ranks. Audit and consolidate.

Identifying cannibalization

1. Search Console: filter for 1 keyword, see which pages rank
2. If 2+ pages alternate ranking for same query → cannibalization
3. Or both pages rank #5-15 (neither breaking top 5) → split authority
4. Or one ranks position 3, other position 25 → still confusion

Resolution options

1. Consolidate: merge content from both pages into one (preferred)
2. Redirect: 301 weaker page to stronger
3. Differentiate intent: make pages serve different intents (informational vs transactional)
4. Noindex: noindex weaker page if needed for other reasons
5. Internal link: point internal links to chosen page

Prevention going forward

1. One keyword target per page (record in spreadsheet)
2. Pre-publish: check if existing page targets same keyword
3. Topic cluster strategy: pillar page + cluster sub-pages with different long-tail variants
4. Update brief with explicit "target keyword" before writing

Where this fits in the X3 empire

Audit pattern for CardPrepAI site portfolio.