What is an LSI Keyword? An SEO Friendly Practice

Most new bloggers initially grapple with the topic of keywords and how to use them. So, you may very well still be wondering just what is an LSI keyword? We’re going to cover this subject in detail in today’s post. Hopefully, we’ll clear up any confusion or misconceptions around this important concept.

By reading this post, here is what you are going to learn:

• The definition of an LSI keyword
• The distinction between an LSI keyword and a focus keyword
• How you can benefit from using LSI keywords
• The best ways to find LSI keywords

What is an LSI keyword?

LSI is an abbreviation for the term latent semantic indexing which is a major component of Google’s algorithm. LSI keywords are words or phrases that are related to your primary or focus keyword. They are SEO friendly because they help Google to understand the substance and gist of your written content. These related keywords are a signal that content is relevant and includes depth and breadth of coverage which, in turn, supports Google’s strategic mission.

LSI Keywords vs. Focus Keyword

Proper use of keywords is a critical element of search engine optimization (SEO). Every page and post on your website should target a primary or focus keyword. Keywords are the actual search terms and phrases that people type into search engines when they are seeking information. Google and the other major search engines use keywords to index the massive amounts of data available on the Internet. Thus, search engines can promptly respond to queries and return relevant SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages).

As the description suggests, your primary keyword establishes the principal focus for your blog post.Best practice involves optimizing your content around this key phrase by including it in the following locations:

• the title (and URL) of the post
• in the first 140 characters of your post (it should then appear in the snippet post description)
• in the ALT Text attribute for one of the images within the post
• somewhere towards the end of your article

When architecting content, it is essential to strike the optimum balance with focus keywords. If you don’t use it enough, Google may have a hard time figuring out what your post is about. Placement in the above locations is sufficient to communicate the main subject area of your post. Additional usage is not desirable.  Overusage, known as keyword stuffing, is a practice that Google will no longer tolerate. It smacks of manipulation purely for ranking purposes rather than a value-added, solution-focused post written with your readers’ needs in mind.

LSI keywords are clearly and closely related to your topic and allow you to expand and broaden your topical coverage. The purpose of your blog post is reinforced without unnatural repetition of a single phrase. Simply place your related phrases very naturally within your content.

LSI Keyword Examples

To further explain both LSI keywords and their relationship to focus keywords, I’m going to use one of my previous posts entitled “What is SMART Goal Setting? Can it Jumpstart Your Online Business Dreams?”

I have optimized this post for the long-tail keyword phrase, what is SMART goal setting? The SMART goal setting process is then discussed in some detail and includes several related long-tail LSI phrases such as:

• What are SMART goals?
• Why are SMART goals important?
• SMART goals examples
• How can I use SMART goals?

Based on research, this is a subject matter of keen interest. My objective in crafting this post was meaningful and superior content which I accomplished by broadening my coverage to incorporate these obviously related concepts.

Need Additional Background on Keyword Research?

Here are three related posts that will help.

• What is the Definition of a Keyword and What Makes it Important?
• How to Find More EFFECTIVE Keywords for a Website
• What is Long Tail Keyword Research?

How You Can Benefit From Using LSI Keywords

Here are some of the advantages of using LSI keywords within your blog.

(1) Increase the Credibility of Your Content

Your content is far less likely to be identified as “thin” or spammy in nature. Assessments of quality are enhanced.

(2) Improve the Readability and Natural Flow of Your Content

Can the significance of readability factors ever be over-emphasized? Readability is a huge element of quality because visitors engage longer thereby deriving more value. Increased engagement will also decrease bounce rates for your website which is a positive signal for the search engines.

(3) Relevant and Meaningful Keywords Help Attract the Right Readers

Our goal as bloggers is to write and communicate valuable and super helpful content. We can’t achieve that goal unless we connect with a target audience that is seeking help with our subject matter. Keywords are the initial medium of communication. In the example discussed above, readers desiring more knowledge of the SMART goal setting process might logically search on any of the related terms identified.

(4) Better Rankings in the Search Engines

Google’s perception of quality is positively influenced by the inclusion of related search terms. I’ve also learned firsthand that it is entirely possible to rank for LSI terms in addition to your focus keyword. Higher rankings and ranking for more keywords improves both visibility in the SERPs and click-through rates.

(5) More Potential Sales

Better Rankings = More Traffic = Improved Conversion Rates

The Best Ways to Find LSI keywords

There are a large number of potential sources of LSI keywords. Here are two of my favorite ways to discover these gems. These approaches are simple but effective.

• Use Google Search – Perform a search in Google for any focus keyword of your choice. Scroll to the bottom of the page, and you will find a list of related search terms.
• Use Jaaxy – Jaaxy is a fabulous keyword research tool that will generate a lengthy list of similar and related keywords for any query you enter.

Summary

I sincerely hope you found this post on what is an LSI keyword to be insanely useful. LSI keywords can aid a blogger in meeting their primary mission of writing relevant and meaningful content that engages readers and ensures a great user experience. They are SEO friendly because Google loves the resultant quality content. The outstanding characteristics of these keyword phrases demand our attention.

Do you use LSI keywords in your posts? Please leave a comment below about your experiences or any questions you may still have. If this information was helpful, please be sociable!

 

 

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