Do you use latent semantic indexing for your content? You should.
Use LSI keywords wisely, and your organic traffic may rise. But use them the wrong way, and you could suffer from weak rankings. Today, we’ll go over what latent semantic indexing is, what it isn’t, and how to use it in your content in a way that both readers and search engines will love.
What is Latent Semantic Indexing?
As Google focuses on a better user experience, writing content using your target keywords gets harder without sounding spammy.
You can use latent semantic indexing, LSI, to keep on Google’s good side.
Latent semantic indexing is a process used to identify terms and phrases with similar meanings to your target keywords. Users often come across these terms when searching for a specific topic. Think of LSI keywords as synonyms. They aren’t the same as your keywords but share a similar “theme.”
So how can you use LSI keywords to help your content and rankings?
LSI is All About Context
“Content is king.” You’ve heard it a thousand times. But it’s not entirely true — at least, not where LSI is concerned.
For latent semantic indexing, Context is king.
Say you want to learn about coffee. You Google “Java,” but you end up with pages about Java programming language! So you slightly change your search terms — “Java coffee” — and bingo! The search engine understands and modifies your search results based on that change.
Oops! Not quite what you were looking for? Not to worry — one minor change is all it takes to put LSI in action.
It’s all because you added a little extra context.
Context-sensitive LSI keywords help you diversify your page content. If you feel your target keywords are making your content stifling to read, LSI keywords help switch up your language while keeping your content thematic. They can build a more robust theme for your page while hitting your desired keyword density.
How to Find LSI Keywords for SEO
So you’re eager to start implementing latent semantic indexing. But beware — misusing it can affect your site with poor results.
It’s not enough to pepper your pages with LSI keywords. That’s no different than keyword stuffing. Remember: You want your pages to be reader-friendly. What you have to do is use latent semantic indexing in a way that’s natural and provides readability.
Did you know Google can work as an essential latent semantic indexing tool? And by basic, we mean VERY basic. But you can use Google’s related searches to learn how to find LSI keywords for your top-ranking terms. Simply start typing in your target keyword and see what gets Autofilled. It’s practically an LSI keyword generator built right into your browser! And it’s a pretty safe bet that what comes up are related terms people are searching for.
We tried looking up SEO services on Google and got a bunch of related search examples.
Of course, Google’s free keyword search won’t get the ultra-specific LSI keywords that only proper latent semantic analysis can give you. But it’s an excellent place to start — and believe us; you should start right now.
Why You Need to Start Using LSI Keywords Immediately
In the SEO world, we put a lot of thought into the words we include on each page. We choose keywords with high search volume, try to write great content for users and search engines, ensure pages have good density, and avoid keyword stuffing.
But to provide users with the most relevant search results, you need to use LSI keywords. Think about it: Not everyone will search for terms using the same language. (For example, you could choose to look up “LSI” while we prefer “latent semantic indexing.”) Latent semantic indexing helps overcome differences in language, style, and even misspelled words and grammar errors.
To get the broadest range of viewers to your page or blog, you need to start thinking with LSI in mind. Doing so can help you improve rankings for your target keywords.
It’s a lot to wrap your head around. But that’s why we’re here. If Google wants a better user experience, we can help you give it to them. Call us, and let’s show them how it’s done!
