Keyword mapping
In this lesson
- What a keyword map is
- How to assign one main keyword per page
- How to avoid keyword cannibalization
Short answer
Keyword mapping is matching each keyword to one page on your website. Every page gets one primary keyword and a few secondary keywords with the same intent. A keyword map keeps your site organized, shows which pages you still need, and stops your own pages from competing against each other in Google and other search engines.
What a keyword map looks like
A keyword map is a simple table. Each row is a page. The columns show what that page targets.
| Page URL | Primary keyword | Secondary keywords | Intent | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| /aircon-cleaning-pasig/ | aircon cleaning Pasig | aircon cleaning price, split type aircon cleaning | Transactional | Live |
| /how-often-clean-aircon/ | how often to clean aircon | aircon cleaning schedule, signs aircon needs cleaning | Informational | To write |
| /deep-cleaning-service/ | deep cleaning service Pasig | post-renovation cleaning, move-out cleaning | Transactional | To improve |
Primary and secondary keywords
- Primary keyword: The main phrase the page targets. It goes in the title tag, H1, URL, and first 100 words.
- Secondary keywords: Close variations with the same intent. They appear naturally in headings and body text.
If two keywords need different page types, they belong on different pages. “Aircon cleaning price” and “how to clean aircon yourself” have different intents.
Avoid keyword cannibalization
Keyword cannibalization happens when two or more of your pages target the same keyword. Search engines get confused about which page to show. Often, neither ranks well.
Signs of cannibalization:
- Two blog posts with nearly the same title
- Search Console shows different pages swapping places for one query
- A product page and a blog post both chasing “best running shoes”
The fix is usually to merge the pages into one stronger page, then redirect the old URL. You will learn redirects in Module 4.
How to build your keyword map
- List your existing pages. Copy each URL into the template.
- Add your chosen keywords. Use your list from Lessons 1.3 and 1.4.
- Group by intent. Keywords with the same intent and meaning go together.
- Assign one group per page. Pick the strongest phrase as the primary keyword.
- Mark the gaps. Keyword groups with no page become your content plan.
Download the keyword map template
Columns: Page URL, Primary keyword, Secondary keywords, Intent, Status, Notes
Opens in Excel, Google Sheets, or Numbers.
Quick quiz
Common mistakes
- Putting every keyword on the homepage. Give each topic its own focused page.
- Writing new posts on old topics. Update the existing page instead of creating a near copy.
- Mixing intents on one page. Separate learning content from sales pages.
- Never updating the map. Review it every few months as you add pages.
Your action
Key terms
- Keyword mapping
- Assigning keywords to specific pages on your site.
- Primary keyword
- The main keyword a page targets.
- Secondary keywords
- Related phrases with the same intent that support the primary keyword.
- Keyword cannibalization
- When your own pages compete for the same keyword.
- Content gap
- A keyword or topic with no page on your site yet.
Questions beginners ask
Does every page need a keyword?
Pages you want found in search do. Pages like a login or thank-you page do not.
Can one page rank for many keywords?
Yes. A strong page often ranks for dozens of related phrases. You map one primary keyword so the page stays focused.
Want someone to handle SEO for your business while you learn? The team at Remar Digital can help.