When it comes to SEO, understanding keywords is important. Keywords form the foundation of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and are essential for driving traffic to your website. Did you know that keywords come in many different types? Let’s break down how many types of keywords in SEO there are, with examples, so you can use them to their fullest potential.
1. Short-Tail Keywords
Short-tail keywords, also called “head keywords” or “seed keywords,” are very broad search terms. They’re usually just one or two words. Think of them as the most basic way to search for a topic. For example, if someone searches for “shoes” or “digital marketing,” they’re using short-tail keywords.
Since these keywords cover a wide range of possibilities, they have a high search volume. Even so, they’re very competitive because so many businesses are trying to rank for them. While short-tail keywords can bring in a lot of traffic, they may not always lead to conversions. This is because they’re not specific enough to attract a focused audience. Remember, they’re great for raising brand awareness but might not always convert into sales.
More Examples of Short-Tail Keywords:
- “Travel”
- “Laptops”
- “Photography”
2. Medium-Tail Keywords
Medium-tail keywords are a step more specific than short-tail keywords. They often consist of two to three words and help balance search volume and competition. For example, “running shoes” or “SEO tips” are medium-tail keywords.
They work well for attracting a more defined audience without being too narrow. Medium-tail keywords give you a better chance of ranking higher in search results than short-tail keywords. They attract traffic from users who have a clearer idea of what they want, increasing the likelihood of conversion.
More examples of Medium-Tail Keywords:
- “Gaming laptops”
- “Portrait photography”
- “Solo travel tips”
3. Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are highly specific phrases, usually three words or more. They cater to niche markets and specific queries. For instance, “women’s running shoes for flat feet” or “affordable digital marketing services for small businesses.”
These keywords generally have lower search volume but are less competitive. They’re perfect for reaching customers with high intent, as these users often know exactly what they’re looking for. Long-tail keywords are ideal for small businesses aiming to target a specific audience or for content that addresses a particular need or query.
More examples of Long-Tail Keywords:
- “Best gaming laptops under $1000”
- “How to take professional portrait photos at home”
- “Solo travel tips for women in Europe”
(Source: Freepik)
4. LSI Keywords
Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) keywords are terms that relate to your main keyword. These related words help search engines understand the content of a page more effectively. For example, if your main keyword is “digital marketing,” LSI keywords could include “SEO,” “content marketing,” or “social media strategy.”
Using LSI keywords makes your content more relevant and comprehensive, which helps boost your rankings. They provide context to your main keyword and help search engines see your content as more informative and valuable.
More examples of LSI Keywords:
- For “content marketing”: “blogging”, “inbound marketing”, and “lead generation”
- For “healthy diet”: “nutrition”, “balanced meals”, and “weight loss”
5. Short-Term Fresh Keywords
Short-term fresh keywords are related to current trends or events. These keywords gain a lot of traffic faster but tend to have a short lifespan. For example, “New Android phone release” or “Oscars 2024 winners.”
They’re perfect for capturing traffic when a topic is hot. But, once the trend fades, the traffic for these keywords usually drops off. Use them if you have content related to something that’s currently trending and want a quick boost in traffic.
More examples of Short-Term Fresh Keywords:
- “World Cup 2024 schedule”
- “Latest Netflix releases”
- “Black Friday 2024 deals”
6. Trendy Keywords
Trendy keywords are also related to current events or popular topics but can include seasonal trends or social media buzz. For example, “AI updates,” “viral TikTok dance,” or “summer fashion trends 2024.”
They’re useful for capitalising on short-term interest and driving a quick spike in traffic. But, like short-term fresh keywords, their value can diminish once the trend passes. These keywords are excellent for keeping your content relevant and engaging with your audience on popular topics.
More examples of Trendy Keywords:
- “Spring 2024 fashion trends”
- “Metaverse technology updates”
7. Evergreen Keywords
Evergreen keywords are always relevant and maintain a steady search volume over time. They cover topics that don’t go out of style. For instance, “How to start a vegetable garden” or “Benefits of eating spinach.”
These keywords are excellent for generating consistent, long-term traffic. They’re ideal for content you want to stay relevant for years. They also provide a solid foundation for a sustainable SEO strategy, helping your site maintain visibility over time.
More examples of Evergreen Keywords:
- “How to meditate”
- “Importance of exercise”
- “Baking bread at home”
(Source: Freepik)
8. Product Keywords
Product keywords are directly related to a specific product or brand. These are highly valuable for e-commerce websites because they usually indicate strong buying intent. Examples include “Samsung Galaxy S23” or “Nike Air Max 90.”
Targeting product keywords helps attract customers who are near the end of the purchasing process. They’re specific and indicate a user’s intent to buy, which can lead to higher conversion rates.
More examples of Product Keywords:
- “Apple MacBook Pro 2024”
- “Sony noise-cancelling headphones”
- “Adidas Ultraboost running shoes”
9. Geo-Targeting Keywords
Geo-targeting keywords are designed to attract local traffic. They include specific locations and are great for businesses with a physical presence or offering local services. Examples are “Best bookstores in Singapore” or “Movers in Singapore.”
These keywords are essential for reaching local customers. They help connect with users searching for services or products in a specific location, making them crucial for local SEO strategies.
More examples of Geo-Targeting Keywords:
- “Dentist in Singapore”
- “Vegan restaurants in London”
- “Best hair salons in South Korea”
10. Customer-Defining Keywords
Customer-defining keywords are phrases that describe a particular group of customers. They help target content or products to a specific audience segment. Examples include “Digital marketing for small businesses” or “Running shoes for overpronators.”
Using customer-defining keywords makes your content more relevant to your target audience. They can increase engagement and conversion rates by appealing directly to the needs and preferences of your ideal customers.
More examples of Customer-Defining Keywords:
- “Financial planning for millennials”
- “Yoga for beginners”
- “Makeup tips for mature skin”
11. Intent-Based Keywords
Intent-based keywords reflect what the user intends to do and can be grouped into three categories: navigational, informational, and transactional. For example:
Navigational: “Facebook login”
Informational: “How to bake a cake”
Transactional: “Buy PS5”
By understanding the intent behind a search, you can tailor your content to meet user needs, which boosts both traffic and engagement. These keywords help align your content with what users are actually looking to accomplish.
More examples of Intent-Based Keywords:
- Navigational: “YouTube login”
- Informational: “How to start a blog”
- Transactional: “Buy coffee machine online”
(Source: Freepik)
12. Question-Based Keywords
These are keywords that are phrased as questions, most often than not with informational intent. Examples are “How to make a DIY sweater?” or “Why is branding important?”
Question-based keywords target users who are looking for specific answers. They can increase engagement and dwell time on your page by providing valuable and direct information that meets the user’s query.
More examples of Question-Based Keywords:
- “What is cryptocurrency?”
- “Where to buy organic food?”
- “Why is sleep important?”
13. Commercial Keywords
Commercial keywords are used by people comparing products or looking for reviews. Examples include “Best pizza restaurant” or “Top jewellery brands 2024.”
These keywords often indicate high buying intent, making them valuable for content targeting users who are further along in the purchasing process. They can help attract traffic that is closer to making a buying decision.
More examples of Commercial Keywords:
- “Top 10 smartphones 2024”
- “Best skincare products for acne”
- “Most reliable washing machines”
14. Local Keywords
Local keywords are associated with a specific geographic area. Examples include “Photo studios in Singapore” or “Book cafe near me.”
Local keywords help you capture a geographically targeted audience, ideal for businesses operating within a certain region. They’re important for local SEO, driving traffic from users who are looking for local services or products.
More examples of Local Keywords:
- “Pet grooming services near me”
- “Best pizza delivery in Chicago”
- “Local farmers market opening times”
(Source: Freepik)
15. Semantic Keywords
Semantic keywords are variations or synonyms of the main keyword that help with understanding the context. For example, “dresses” could relate to “gowns,”, “outfits,” or “evening wear.”
Semantic keywords improve content relevance by covering related terms. They help search engines better understand the content of your page, increasing the chances of ranking for related searches.
More examples of Semantic Keywords:
- For “laptops”: “notebooks”, “computers”, “PCs”
- For “wedding”: “bridal”, “nuptials”, “marriage”
16. Brand Keywords
Brand keywords include the brand name or variations of it. Such as “Rare Beauty makeup,” “Ana Luisa jewellery,” or “Alienware gaming laptop.”
Brand keywords are great for building brand awareness and reaching customers who are specifically looking for your products. They help you capture brand-loyal customers and can also help protect your brand’s online presence.
More examples of Brand Keywords:
- “Levi’s jeans”
- “Samsung Galaxy phone”
- “Nike running shoes”
17. Non-Branded Keywords
Non-branded keywords are terms that do not include a specific brand name. These keywords help attract new customers who are not yet familiar with your brand but are interested in what you offer. Examples include “jeans” or “affordable bags.”
Non-branded keywords are a great way to increase your reach and attract a broader audience. They are especially useful for businesses looking to build brand awareness or enter a new market. While they often have high search volumes, they can also be competitive, so well-optimised content is key to ranking higher.
More examples of Non-Branded Keywords:
- “Luxury watches”
- “Healthy breakfast recipes”
- “Online yoga classes”
18. Event-Based Keywords
Event-based keywords are linked to particular events or holidays. Some examples include “Christmas gifts,” “CNY promotions,” or “Hari Raya decorations.”
These keywords are excellent for driving traffic during particular periods, making them ideal for seasonal promotions. They help capture audience interest around special occasions and can generate a lot of traffic in a short time.
More examples of Event-Based Keywords:
- “Halloween costumes 2024”
- “Valentine’s Day gifts”
- “Summer solstice events”
19. Industry Jargon Keywords
Industry jargon keywords are specialised terms used within a particular field or niche. For example, “blockchain technology” in tech or “giclee printing” in art. These words or phrases may not be familiar to the general public but are well-known to professionals or enthusiasts in that area.
Using jargon keywords helps connect with a knowledgeable audience and establishes your expertise in your niche. However, use them carefully. Too much jargon will alienate general readers.
More examples of Industry Jargon Keywords:
- In technology: “augmented reality”, “quantum computing”
- In marketing: “conversion rate optimisation”, “brand positioning”
(Source: Freepik)
20. Negative Keywords
Negative keywords are terms you specify to prevent your content or ads from appearing in search results for those keywords. For example, excluding terms like “cheap” or “free” if you’re selling premium products.
Negative keywords help maintain a high click-through rate (CTR) and reduce costs by filtering out users who are unlikely to convert. They focus your SEO efforts on attracting qualified traffic, improving your return on investment (ROI).
More examples of Negative Keywords:
- “Free trial” (if you’re offering paid services)
- “Cheap laptops” (if you’re selling premium laptops)
- “Used furniture” (if you’re selling new furniture)
Conclusion
There you have it, 20 types of keywords in SEO with examples! Understanding how many types of keywords in SEO there are, and knowing how they work, is crucial for creating content that ranks well on search engines. By using a mix of keywords like long-tail, LSI, and intent-based, you can better connect with your target audience and enhance your site’s visibility. Remember, the right combination is key to a successful SEO strategy!
If you’ve got any questions that need answering or need help with your rankings, contact us! Also, be sure to check out our other blogs for more helpful insights about all things SEO.
