If you’ve ever been curious how websites end up on Google, it is usually due to SEO keywords. These are the words or phrases people enter into a search engine when they are searching for something. Companies use these phrases as the benchmarks, making sure that what they created appears when someone searches for those topics.
So, what is an SEO keyword? In short, they are the words used to help your website appear in search results. It is an easy word to understand – when you are writing blog articles, product pages, or service descriptions, the right SEO keywords can make that possible.
What Are Keywords in SEO?
Keywords are the search terms people use on Google or other search engines. For example, if someone types “best pizza in Delhi,” that phrase is a keyword.
In SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), using the right keywords means your content matches what people are searching for. This helps Google understand your page and show it to the right users.
Importance of Keywords in SEO
Using keywords the right way helps your website appear in front of the right audience. The better your keywords match a user’s search, the more likely they’ll visit your site.
Why keywords matter:
- Better visibility: Helps your website rank higher in search results.
- Right traffic: Attracts visitors who are interested in your content.
- More sales or leads: The right audience is more likely to take action.
That’s why understanding the importance of keywords in SEO is the first step in growing your website traffic.
Types of Keywords in SEO
There are different types of keywords in SEO, and knowing them helps you target the right audience. Here are the five main types:
Keyword Type | Example | Purpose |
Short-Tail Keywords | “shoes” | Broad, high search volume |
Long-Tail Keywords | “Best running shoes for women” | Specifically, less competition |
Branded Keywords | “Nike shoes” | Related to a specific brand |
LSI Keywords | “athletic wear” with “sportswear” | Related in meaning |
Geo-Targeted Keywords | “dentist in Bangalore” | Target users in specific locations |
These keyword types are all useful in different situations, and combining them creates a strong SEO strategy.
Want to go deeper? Explore our blog on Understanding the Different Types of Keywords in SEO.
How to Find SEO Keywords
Finding great keywords doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some easy beginner ways:
- Some simple tools to use: Google search suggestions: Start typing a word and see what comes up.
- Ubersuggest: This is a free tool that gives keyword ideas with search volume.
- Google Keyword Planner: This will help you obtain keyword data.
You can also look at your competitors’ websites or consider what questions your customers often ask.
Where to Use SEO Keywords on Your Website
Once you have your keywords, it’s important to put them in the right places. Here’s where they should go:
- Page title
- Meta description
- Headings (H1, H2, etc.)
- First 100 words of your content
- Image alt text
- URL (web address)
- Throughout your content (naturally)
Common Mistakes to Avoid with SEO Keywords
Even with the right keywords, simple mistakes can hurt your rankings. Watch out for these common mistakes.
Keyword stuffing: Using the same keyword over and over makes your content look unnatural and can lead to lower rankings. Always write for humans first, not just search engines.
- Irrelevant keywords: Utilizing unrelated keywords is confusing for both readers and search engines. You should only include keywords that are related to your content.
- Disregarding search intent: Be sure to ensure your keywords align with the user’s need. If someone wants a review of a product, don’t show them your product page.
- Not updating old content: SEO changes over time. Revisit old pages and update keywords, titles, and content to keep them relevant and competitive.
Conclusion
So, what are SEO keywords? They’re the words that connect your content to what people are searching for. When used correctly, keywords help your site rank better, attract the right visitors, and grow your business.
Start by understanding different types of keywords, doing basic research, and placing them smartly on your site. Even small steps can lead to big results.
Want to learn more? Visit our full guide on Understanding the Different Types of Keywords in SEO.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the words or phrases people enter into Google to look for information. By adding these words naturally into your content, your pages are more likely to appear in search results and attract the right audience.
Focus on one main keyword that defines the topic and include 2–3 related keywords. This helps search engines understand your content better without overloading it.
Yes, each blog post or page should have its own set of targeted keywords. This helps cover more topics and increases your chances of ranking for different searches.
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the full strategy used to improve your website’s visibility. Keywords are just one part of SEO — they help search engines know what your content is about.
A good keyword has decent search volume, low to medium competition, and matches what your audience is searching for. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or Semrush to check these details.
