Shifting target keyword to a new page, how do we rank the internal page?

[GOMO-Gabriel]

I have been targeting one keyword for home page that was ranking between the postilion 6-7 but was never ranking on 1st as there were 2 highly competitive keywords targeted on the same page, I changed the keyword to an internal service page to rank it on 1st, I have optimized the content as well but the home page is still ranking on 11th, how do I get the internal page rank on that keyword

[paints-n-design]

There is no big difference between optimizing in general and your case. You have to be sure that there is no Cannibalization. So be sure you decrease the optimization of your homepage. And of course you have to:

• get both urls crawled.  Otherwise it couldn't be possible (but you managed that allready)

• its a hard move, Search Engines need to see the new content well linked, and finally understand, that the content is gone frome home

• Link from home to the new page, just to show where the new page is

It is hard because the homepage is easier to rank. But it doesn’t make sense for all your keywords. Also means - it is harder to rank with you new service page.  Whatever made you rank on 6-7 is maybe not enaugh for a new sub-page. Make it faster, more useful everything to provide the best answer.  Get some natural Links may also help

I had the same thing 2 or 3 years ago. Fact is, the new Page is finally in Top 3. It just took a few weeks (so it is possible). I did everything to make pretty clear where the stuff is gone. But the homepage (linking with exact match anchor to the new page) is still in top 5.. The content is less good optimized or better, just gone to the new page. It somehow looks like google doesn’t want to forget.  Ok the User will find the link, maybe that is one reason.