Find pages that compete with each other
Use Search Console data to find searches where two or more of your own pages compete, and choose the fix for each.
The written steps below are complete. The Video script tab shows exactly what the video will cover.
When two pages on the same site target the same search, Google has to choose between them and often ranks neither well. This is called cannibalization. The Cannibalization tab reads the project's Search Console data and groups the searches where it happens.
By the end you can
- Run the cannibalization check
- Read a group of competing pages
- Choose between consolidating, differentiating and a canonical tag
Screens used
- Project, Keywords, Cannibalization tab
Before you start
- Google Search Console connected to the project (see the Getting started lesson).
Steps
- 1
Open the Cannibalization tab
On: Project, KeywordsOpen Keywords in the project and choose the Cannibalization tab.
You should see: "Analysing GSC data…" and then a list of groups, or a message that none was detected.
- 2
Refresh the data
On: Project, KeywordsPress the refresh button, Re-fetch from GSC (last 30 days), to analyse the most recent month.
You should see: The groups reload.
- 3
Read a group
On: Project, KeywordsEach group is one search with the pages that appear for it. For each page you see the URL, Position, Impressions, Clicks and CTR. The page with the most clicks and best position is the natural winner.
You should see: You can name the winning page in a group.
- 4
Choose the fix
On: Project, KeywordsEach group suggests one of three fixes. Consolidate: merge the weaker page into the winner and redirect it. Differentiate: rewrite the weaker page to target a different search. Canonical: keep both pages but tell Google which one is the main version.
You should see: Every group has a decision.
- 5
Turn decisions into tasks
On: Project, TasksCreate a task in the project for each fix so it is assigned and tracked.
You should see: A task per group in the project's task list.
Tips
- "No cannibalization detected" is the result you want: every search has one clear winning page.
- Re-run the check a month after fixing. Search Console data takes weeks to reflect a change.
Troubleshooting
- "Connect Google Search Console first".
- Open the project's Settings and connect Search Console, then come back.
- "Search Console connection expired".
- Press Reconnect Search Console and sign in to Google again.
One row per shot, in the same order as the guide. Estimated length 2:11, recorded signed in as Owner. Use made-up data only. How to record
Say: Find pages that compete with each other. Use Search Console data to find searches where two or more of your own pages compete, and choose the fix for each.
Hold until you see: Lesson title on screen for three seconds.
Say: Open Keywords in the project and choose the Cannibalization tab.
Hold until you see: "Analysing GSC data…" and then a list of groups, or a message that none was detected.
Say: Press the refresh button, Re-fetch from GSC (last 30 days), to analyse the most recent month.
Hold until you see: The groups reload.
Say: Each group is one search with the pages that appear for it. For each page you see the URL, Position, Impressions, Clicks and CTR. The page with the most clicks and best position is the natural winner.
Hold until you see: You can name the winning page in a group.
Say: Each group suggests one of three fixes. Consolidate: merge the weaker page into the winner and redirect it. Differentiate: rewrite the weaker page to target a different search. Canonical: keep both pages but tell Google which one is the main version.
Hold until you see: Every group has a decision.
Say: Create a task in the project for each fix so it is assigned and tracked.
Hold until you see: A task per group in the project's task list.
Say: That is find pages that compete with each other. The written steps are on this lesson's page in the ItzSEO course.
Hold until you see: End card with the lesson link.
Mark it complete to keep your place in the course.
Related lessons
Link the client's Search Console property so clicks, impressions and positions show inside the project.
Run an SEO audit on any public page, with Core Web Vitals, and read the score and the page snapshot.
Add competitor domains, wait for the first sync and read the Keyword Gap table by opportunity.