What are LSI Keywords and How to Use Them for Optimal SEO

By now, you probably have a fairly solid understanding of keywords. Those critical words and phrases that searchers are looking for when they get ready to visit your website and interact with your brand. Focusing on the right keywords can help improve your search engine ranking. Putting you in a better position to be noticed by consumers who are interested in your brand. But what are LSI keywords?

In addition to focusing on primary keywords, however, you may want to expand your focus to LSI keywords to provide more context and information, both to search engines and to your customers.

What are LSI Keywords?

LSI keywords are terms and phrases similar to the primary keyword that you're targeting on your page. For example, if you're creating a page that focuses on search engine marketing, you might also want to cover the similar terms SEO, paid search ads, or search engine optimization. Further, you might want to add common search queries: How can I optimize my website for SEO, how to optimize for SEO, or how to create paid search ads effectively.

They are not, however, synonyms alone. Including synonyms can help you expand your reach and the odds that consumers will find you when they have a need for that specific keyword. But you may also want to include words that are directly related to your target keyword or keywords. Suppose, for example, that you're marketing dog collars. In addition to "dog collar," your keywords might focus on "small breeds," "large breeds," and even a list of specific breeds that might wear the size collar you're marketing on a given page.

Using LSI Keywords

Focus on LSI keywords in addition to the primary keywords you want to target on a page. With this, you can often provide users with more direct context regarding your content. More specific keywords can help you draw in an audience that is looking for exactly the items or content you've provided on a specific page.

In the example above, for example, if you sell collars for very large dog breeds, like Great Danes, then using LSI keywords -- including "Great Dane," "Newfoundland," "Great Pyrenees,' and "St. Bernard" -- can help you target owners who have those specific dog breeds and frequently need to search more extensively in order to find gear, including collars, for their pets. Not only does this make it easier for users to see if they'll find the exact content they're looking for on your website, but it also offers Google a better idea of exactly what the page contains. This can help boost it further up in search rankings or increase the odds that it will appear in the top search results for users who are looking for more specific content.

LSI keywords offer several key benefits to your content.

1. They help you prevent keyword stuffing.

Keyword stuffing can make your content less valuable. Preventing it from showing up at the top of search engine results. It will also make your content read less naturally. By using related keywords, however, you can express many of the same concepts while using more variety in your language. This reads in a more appealing manner and helps you gain attention at the same time.

2. They can help boost your overall search ranking.

Related keywords provide a better overall experience for your users. From making it easier to find your page to, in many cases, providing additional content that users will find valuable. As a result, using LSI keywords can help significantly boost your search engine ranking over time.

What Does LSI Stand for?

LSI stands for latent semantic indexing. It's the method search engines use to learn a variety of synonyms or related terms based on context. In search engine optimization, it means that you help Google find your content and deliver it to the right users. Providing search terms that relate to your original content so that it can add them to your list or use them to better identify the full range of topics you cover.

How to Find LSI Keywords

Do you need to find LSI keywords? Try some of these strategies to help identify the related search terms that are most likely to generate interest from the users who need to connect with your brand.

1. Utilize the Google Search Function

Simply utilizing your Google search function is a great way to identify LSI keywords for your website. Type the main keyword you want to focus on into the search bar. It will then come up with related suggestions. For example, if you type in, "LSI keywords," Google might offer "LSI keywords meaning" or "LSI keywords generator" as search options. It will also provide "LSI keywords examples" and "LSI keywords free tool."

If those keywords fall under your topics, include them as part of your LSI keywords for the page.

2. Try Google's Keyword Planner or UberSuggest

Google's keyword planner tool and UberSuggest will list common search terms and phrases. Providing access to a detailed keyword list. By utilizing these, you can get a better idea of what words and phrases people are already searching for and how they may relate to your content. Entering your target term will allow you to view related keywords that appear most often. And which ones do not see a great deal of traffic.

3. Use an App

Both Alexa and LSI Graph, along with many other problems, provide free keyword generator tools. These can help you more effectively determine which keywords see a high volume of traffic and which ones you may want to include as part of your website. Choose a tool that offers a comprehensive, in-depth look at effective keywords and their usage.

Remember this When Picking Your LSI Keywords

Keep in mind that not every keyword offered by those apps and lists will be appropriate for your target audience. Pay attention to your audience and their needs as you choose the keywords you want to focus on. This is what we call search intent, which you can learn more about here.

So what do you do after you find your LSI Keywords? You put them to use on your website!! Check out our Free SEO Checklist for your next steps.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you reach your search engine marketing goals.