Keyword cannibalization

Multiple pages competing on the same term

Diagnosis

Cannibalization occurs when multiple URLs on your site rank (or try to rank) on the same keyword. Consequence: each page dilutes the other's authority, and neither emerges in optimal position. PivotSEO automatically detects these situations by analyzing your GSC data.

Warning signs

Two or more URLs from same site appear on same keyword in top 30
Erratic average position (big fluctuations between readings)
Ranking URL frequently changes for same keyword (Google hesitates)
GSC clicks spread across multiple URLs instead of concentrated

Possible solutions

Merge: combine both articles into one longer one, redirect the weak page to the strong (301).
Specialize: adjust each page's content to target a different intent (e.g. informational vs transactional). Titles, H1 and meta descriptions must clearly differentiate.
Canonical tag: designate a « main » page via <link rel="canonical">. Easier to implement but less powerful than merging.
Deletion: if a page truly no longer brings value, deleting (410) or redirecting (301) is the best option.

Warning :301 or 410?: if the deleted page has external backlinks, always prefer 301 to a relevant page to preserve link juice. The 410 is reserved for pages without any inbound value.