> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.wisepilot.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Cannibalization

> Detect content overlap where multiple pages compete for the same keywords.

The Cannibalization report identifies cases where your own pages compete against each other in search results — splitting ranking signals and potentially hurting both pages.

Navigate to **Reports → Cannibalization** to access this report.

## What Cannibalization Looks Like

When two or more pages target the same keyword, Google doesn't know which one to rank. The result:

* Both pages rank lower than a single, strong page would
* Rankings fluctuate as Google alternates between the competing pages
* Click-through rates drop because neither page has a stable position

## Reading the Report

### Overlap Pairs

The report shows pairs (or groups) of pages that share significant keyword overlap:

* **Pages involved** — The two or more competing URLs
* **Shared keywords** — Which queries both pages rank for
* **Ranking positions** — Where each page appears (e.g., Page A at position 8, Page B at position 14)
* **Traffic estimate** — Combined and individual traffic for the shared keywords
* **Severity** — High (both pages on page 1), Medium (pages 1–2), Low (deeper positions)

### Severity Prioritization

Focus on high-severity overlaps first — these are cases where consolidation could move a single page from position 8 to position 3, with a significant traffic increase.

## Taking Action

For each overlap, you have three options:

### 1. Consolidate (Recommended for high overlap)

Merge the competing pages into one comprehensive piece:

1. Choose the stronger page (more backlinks, better performance history)
2. Incorporate unique content from the weaker page
3. Set up a 301 redirect from the weaker page to the stronger one
4. Use the [Longform Editor](/content-creation/longform-editor) to refine the merged content

### 2. Differentiate (When pages serve different intents)

Sometimes two pages cover the same topic but for different audiences or funnel stages. In that case:

1. Sharpen each page's focus — make the targeting distinct
2. Update titles and meta descriptions to emphasize the difference
3. Adjust internal linking so each page owns its specific angle
4. Re-target keyword focus to reduce overlap

### 3. Remove (When one page adds no value)

If one page is clearly weaker and adds nothing the other doesn't cover:

1. Redirect it to the stronger page
2. Remove it from your content registry
3. Update any internal links pointing to the removed page

<Warning>Always set up a 301 redirect before removing a page. Deleting without redirecting loses any backlink equity the page has accumulated.</Warning>