Keyword cannibalization is a technical SEO issue faced by real estate investors who are optimizing websites for motivated seller leads. It occurs when multiple pages on a website are targeting the same keyword, causing confusion for search engines and ultimately leading to a drop in rankings and traffic. Fortunately, fixing keyword cannibalization is not as complicated as it sounds, and can be done in a few simple steps.
Step 1: Identify If You Have Keyword Cannibalization
The first step in fixing keyword cannibalization is to identify which pages on your website are targeting the same keyword. This can be done by conducting a thorough audit of your website’s content and analyzing which keywords each page is targeting.
Step 2: Choose a Primary Page
Once you have identified which pages are targeting the same keyword, the next step is to choose a primary page. This page will be the main page that is optimized for the target keyword and will be the page that search engines will consider most relevant for that keyword.
When choosing a primary page, consider factors such as content quality, relevance, and authority. The primary page should be the page that is most comprehensive and provides the most value to users searching for that keyword.
Step 3: Optimize the Primary Page
Once you have chosen the primary page, it’s time to optimize it for the target keyword. This includes updating the page’s title tag, meta description, header tags, and content to include the target keyword.
It’s important to ensure that the primary page is optimized in a way that is natural and user-friendly. Avoid keyword stuffing or using the keyword excessively, as this can lead to penalties from search engines.
Step 4: Consolidate Duplicate Content
After choosing a primary page and optimizing it, it’s important to consolidate any duplicate content that may exist on other pages targeting the same keyword. This can be done by redirecting the duplicate pages to the primary page using a 301 redirect.
A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that notifies search engines that the content has moved permanently to a new location. This helps to consolidate link equity and signals to search engines that the primary page should be considered the most relevant for the target keyword.
Step 5: Monitor and Adjust
Finally, it’s important to monitor the impact of the changes made to fix keyword cannibalization. Keep an eye on search rankings, traffic, and engagement metrics to ensure that the changes have had a positive impact.
If you notice that rankings or traffic have not improved, it may be necessary to adjust your strategy or make further optimizations to the primary page. Keep in mind that fixing keyword cannibalization is an ongoing process, and it’s important to regularly review and adjust your strategy to ensure continued success.
In conclusion, keyword cannibalization is a common issue that can negatively impact your website’s search rankings and traffic. By following the steps outlined above, you can fix keyword cannibalization and ensure that your website is optimized for maximum visibility and engagement.