Types of SEO Keywords: Which Ones Are Right for Your Strategy?

time 4 min 45 sec read    December 09,2024

Types of SEO Keywords: Which Ones Are Right for Your Strategy?

What are SEO Keywords

SEO keywords are the words and phrases people use when searching online. Different types of SEO keywords help websites rank better on search engines. These keywords can be broad or specific depending on what you're looking for. Knowing the types of keywords for search engine optimization is important for improving website traffic and visibility.

How to classify Seo Keywords

SEO keywords can be classified based on their length, intent, location, branding, context, time relevance, and niche focus. By length, keywords are categorized as short-tail or long-tail. Based on intent, they can be informational, navigational, or transactional, targeting users at different stages of their search journey. Location-based keywords, or geo-targeted keywords, focus on specific areas to attract local audiences.

Keywords can also be branded, highlighting specific brands, or non-branded, focusing on general terms. Context-based keywords include LSI keywords and question-based keywords that align with the content's theme or format. Time relevance divides keywords into evergreen, which stay relevant year-round, and seasonal, tied to specific events or periods. Niche keywords focus on targeting specific industries or audience segments. This classification helps in creating targeted and effective SEO strategies.

SEO Keywords Types & Examples

Short-Tail Keywords:

Short-Tail Keywords are broad and general keywords made up of one or two words. They usually have a high search volume but are very competitive. These keywords attract a large audience but may not always lead to high conversion rates.

Example: Shoes

This is a broad search term that could refer to any type of shoe.

Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are longer and more specific phrases that people search for. They have less competition and are easier to rank for. These keywords often lead to higher conversion rates because they target users who know exactly what they want.

Example: best running shoes for women

This is a specific search that targets users looking for a particular product.

Geo-Targeted Keywords

Geo-targeted keywords are keywords that include a specific location. These are important for businesses that want to attract local customers. Using location-based keywords helps improve visibility in local searches.

Example: SEO services in Dubai

This keyword targets people searching for SEO services in Dubai specifically.

Branded Keywords

Branded Keywords are keywords that include a specific brand name. These keywords are used to target people who are already familiar with or searching for a particular brand. They are important for building brand recognition and attracting customers looking for that brand specifically.

Example: Nike shoes

People using this keyword are looking specifically for Nike shoes rather than shoes from other brands.

Non-Branded Keywords

Non-branded keywords are terms that do not include any specific brand name. These keywords are used by people looking for products or services without having a particular brand in mind. They help attract a broader audience who are still in the decision-making process.

Example: smartphones

People searching for smartphones may not have a brand in mind and are just exploring their options.

LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) Keywords

LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) Keywords are words or phrases related to your main keyword. They help search engines understand the context of your content better. LSI keywords are not synonyms but are connected to your main topic.

Example: If your main keyword is "dog food", related LSI keywords could be "puppy food", "healthy dog food", or "best dog food brands".

These help search engines know your content is about dog food in different contexts.

Informational Keywords

Informational keywords are used when people search for knowledge or answers. These keywords usually start with words like "how," "what," or "why." They help attract visitors who want to learn something but are not ready to buy.

Example: What is SEO?

This keyword targets users who want to understand SEO.

Navigational Keywords

Navigational keywords are used when people search for a specific website or page. These users already know what they are looking for and want to go directly to it. These keywords help brands get direct traffic.

Example: Facebook login

This keyword is used by people who want to access their Facebook accounts directly.

Transactional Keywords

These are keywords used by people who are ready to buy something or take action. They show a strong intent to make a purchase or sign up for a service. Using these keywords helps attract customers who are ready to convert.

Example: Buy running shoes online

This keyword shows the user wants to purchase running shoes and is searching for a place to buy them.

Commercial Investigation Keywords

These keywords are used by users who are researching products before making a purchase.

Example: best camera for photography or top laptops for gaming.

Product or Service Keywords

These keywords describe the products or services a business offers. They help potential customers find exactly what they’re looking for.

Example: Best SEO Services

This highlights a specific service provided by the business.

Questions-Based Keywords

Questions-based keywords are phrases in the form of a question. These are great for targeting users looking for specific answers and for optimizing content for voice search.

Example: What is the cheapest SEO service in Dubai?

This keyword is aimed at answering a specific user query.

Voice Search Keywords

Voice search keywords are long and conversational often resembling how people speak rather than type. They are becoming increasingly important with the rise of voice assistants.

Example: Which courier service delivers packages quickly in Abu Dhabi?

 A natural spoken, query for fast delivery options.

Competitor Keywords

Competitor keywords include the names of competing brands or services. These are used to attract customers who are considering other options.

Example: Comparison of DHL and FedEx courier services

 This keyword captures users evaluating competitors.

Seasonal Keywords

Seasonal keywords are tied to specific times of the year or events. They are useful for targeting short-term trends or seasonal campaigns.

Example: Holiday gift delivery services

 A seasonal keyword targeting the holiday season.

Content-Based Keywords

These keywords align with specific content topics and help improve the discoverability of blogs, articles, or guides.

Example: Steps to choose the best SEO service

 A keyword used in informational content.

Action-Based Keywords

Action-based keywords encourage users to take immediate steps, such as buying, subscribing, or contacting.

Example: Get an instant delivery quote

 This prompts users to take action on a specific service.

User Intent Keywords

User intent keywords align with the searcher’s purpose, whether informational, transactional, or navigational.

Example: Find the best SEO service near me

Indicates an intent to locate and choose a nearby service.

Evergreen Keywords

Evergreen keywords are relevant all year round and consistently generate traffic over time.

Example: How to send a package internationally

A topic that remains relevant regardless of trends.

Negative Keywords

Negative keywords are terms you exclude from your campaigns to avoid irrelevant traffic. They ensure your ads don’t show up for unrelated searches.

Example: Free SEO service

 If your business doesn’t offer free services, you’d use this as a negative keyword to filter out unqualified leads.

Niche Keywords

Niche keywords focus on a specific segment of your audience or industry. These are highly targeted and often have less competition.

Niche: Courier Services

Example: Luxury gift courier services

Targets a niche audience looking for high-end delivery options.

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About the author

Shabraiz Arshad

Shabraiz Arshad is an experienced digital marketing strategist and web developer based in Dubai. He specializes in writing insightful blogs on SEO and tech trends in the UAE.

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