Imagine this situation. You walk into a store and say to the salesman: “Something stylish for winter and warm.” How can the salesman guess what exactly you need: a coat, boots, or a hat?
You can sense the confusion, right? This is exactly how search engines work—they try to figure out what a person wants when they type just a few words into the search bar. Google, in this way, “matches” the right website among hundreds of other options.
Keywords in SEO are the words or phrases your customer types into the search bar. Their correct use helps guide a person directly to your “doorstep.” Let’s explore why these phrases are so essential and how they can help your business stand out.
Why are keywords important?
Think about how many times you’ve searched for something on Google. “Buy red heels Kyiv,” “banana cake recipe,” or “how to grow a lemon tree at home” – all of these are keywords. And if your website is properly optimized for such queries, your chances of landing on the first page of search results increase dramatically.
- They answer your clients’ questions. For example, if you sell sports shoes, the keyword “buy running shoes Kyiv” can be your ticket to the top of the search results.
- They drive traffic to your website. People type these words into a search engine, and voila – they land on your page. And the best part? These aren’t random visitors but people already interested in your products or services.
- They address real needs. By accurately analyzing what people are searching for, your content becomes more useful and hits the mark every time.
How does it work?
Search engines like Google analyze the content of web pages to “understand” which ones best match what the user is looking for. Keywords help explain to the search engine what exactly your page offers. But forget the outdated approach of repeating a keyword a hundred times like a mantra. Algorithms are now much smarter. Google no longer looks just for exact keyword matches; it also assesses context, related terms, synonyms, and even the tone of the text. Now, content needs to be user-friendly — readable, engaging, and natural.
For example, if your site offers phone repair services, it’s not enough to repeatedly insert the phrase “phone repair” 50 times. Instead, create rich, informative text that answers questions like: “Can I replace an iPhone screen?” or “How much does phone repair cost in Lviv?”
Types of keywords: which are right for you?
Keywords are as diverse as music: there are popular hits and lesser-known tracks cherished by true fans. Here are the main types of keywords:
- Short-tail keywords. These are usually high-frequency (HF) or medium-frequency (MF) keywords. For example, “pizza.” This is a simple and general phrase that receives thousands of daily searches, but the competition is fierce. If your website is new, trying to “capture” such a query is pointless — you’ll be up against industry giants.
- Long-tail keywords. These are low-frequency (LF) keywords. For example, “top best pizzas with olives and pineapples.” These phrases attract less traffic, but they are more specific. They’re easier to rank for and often convert visitors into customers more effectively.
- Local keywords (Geo). If your business operates in a specific location, this approach is essential. For example, “pizzeria in Podil” or “pizzeria Verkhniy Val Kyiv.”
- Commercial keywords. These are phrases that indicate a user’s intent to act: buy, order, or choose. For example, “buy pizza” or “order delicious pizza online.”
- Informational keywords. These are everyday questions we ask. Informational queries can later turn into commercial ones. For example, “What’s included in a Carbonara pizza?” or “Do they add olives to Pepperoni?”
How to choose the right keywords?
There are many ways to find the right keywords, and numerous tools already exist for this purpose:
- Google Keyword Planner. This is a free, beginner-friendly tool where you can see the popularity of queries, how often they are searched for, and their competition level.
- SEO tools like Ahrefs or Serpstat. These advanced platforms help perform in-depth competitor analysis and discover new keywords for your niche.
- Search suggestions. When typing a query into Google, pay attention to the autocomplete options and the “Related Searches” section.
- Also, a simple trick: put yourself in your audience’s shoes. What would you type into the search bar?
First and foremost, your text should feel natural. Don’t insert keywords every three sentences – it doesn’t work. For example: “Our men’s shoes men’s in Kyiv are the best men’s shoes!” looks absurd and will definitely turn readers away. Instead, use keywords where they fit naturally: in titles, meta descriptions, and more.
Modern search engines are smart enough to understand that “buy sneakers” and “purchase sport shoes” are essentially the same thing. Vary your words and phrasing to keep your content engaging and natural.
Most importantly, focus on quality content. Search engines prioritize high-value, useful materials that genuinely address people’s needs. Create content that is interesting and informative, where keywords naturally “fit” into the context, and results won’t keep you waiting.
Keywords are your secret code for search engines. The accurate selection and integration of those words determine whether or not customers find you.
But remember: SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s not about speed but strategy, creativity, and a bit of patience. So, identify your target keywords, integrate them wisely, and watch your website grow right before your eyes. Are you ready to stand out with SEO Smart? 😎