What Are Keywords?
Keywords are specific words or phrases that people type into search engines like Google, Bing, or YouTube when they’re looking for information, products, or services.
For example:
- “What are keywords”
- “Best smartphones 2025”
- “Healthy breakfast ideas”
Each of these search terms is a keyword that helps search engines understand user intent.
In simple words:
Keywords are the bridge between what people search for and the content you create.
When you use the right keywords, your content matches user intent — helping your website appear in relevant search results.
Why Keywords Matter
Keywords are the foundation of Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
They help:
- Search engines understand your content.
- Users find exactly what they’re searching for.
- Websites rank higher and attract targeted traffic.
Without proper keywords, even great content may stay hidden on page 10 of Google.
That’s why understanding what are SEO keywords is the first step to online visibility.
What Are SEO Keywords?
SEO keywords are the strategic words or phrases that you optimize your content around so that search engines can identify its topic and rank it accordingly.
For example, if your blog is about healthy recipes:
- “easy breakfast recipes”
- “low-calorie meals”
- “high-protein diet ideas”
are all SEO keywords.
Types of SEO Keywords
SEO keywords come in several forms:
| Type | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Short-tail keywords | “shoes”, “marketing” | High volume, broad topics |
| Long-tail keywords | “best running shoes for women” | Lower volume, highly targeted |
| Informational keywords | “what is digital marketing” | Used to learn or understand |
| Transactional keywords | “buy laptop online” | Used when someone wants to purchase |
| Navigational keywords | “YouTube login” | Used to reach a specific website |
So, when someone asks “what are SEO keywords?”, the answer is simple:
They’re the search terms that help your content appear on Google when users are looking for information or products.
What Are Long-Tail Keywords?
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that target a smaller audience but often lead to higher conversions.
For instance:
- Short keyword: “shoes”
- Long-tail keyword: “best waterproof hiking shoes for men”
Even though fewer people search for long-tail Target words, they’re incredibly valuable because:
- They’re less competitive.
- They bring more targeted visitors.
- They often convert better because they match specific intent.
Example of Long-Tail Keyword Strategy
If your main keyword is “yoga”, long-tail variations could include:
- “yoga poses for back pain”
- “beginner yoga routine for flexibility”
- “yoga for stress relief at home”
By optimizing for these, your site can easily rank for multiple phrases and appear in Google Discover results.
How to Find the Right Keywords
Finding the right keywords is essential for SEO success. Here’s how to do it:
1. Use Keyword Research Tools
Use tools like:
- Google Keyword Planner
- Ahrefs
- Ubersuggest
- Semrush
These tools show search volume, competition, and keyword difficulty.
2. Understand User Intent
Ask yourself:
- Is the user looking for information? (Informational)
- Do they want to buy something? (Transactional)
- Are they comparing options? (Commercial)
When you know why someone is searching, you can create content that truly satisfies their intent.
3. Analyze Your Competitors
Look at top-ranking sites for your target keyword.
See what kind of content they create — and make something even better.
4. Use Long-Tail Keywords for Easy Wins
Start with specific, less competitive phrases.
For example:
Instead of “SEO”, use “how to learn SEO for beginners”.
How to Use Keywords in Your Blog Posts
Adding keywords isn’t about stuffing them everywhere.
It’s about strategically placing them where they matter most:
Best Places to Add Keywords:
- Page Title (H1)
- Meta Description
- Subheadings (H2, H3)
- Introduction paragraph
- Image Alt Text
- URL Slug
- Throughout the content (naturally)
- Conclusion
Example: If your keyword is “what are keywords”, include it in the title, intro, and conclusion — but keep the flow natural and user-friendly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Keyword Stuffing
Overusing Target words can hurt rankings and readability.
❌ Ignoring Long-Tail Keywords
Focusing only on broad terms makes ranking harder.
❌ Skipping Search Intent
If your content doesn’t match what users want, Google won’t rank it.
❌ Missing Meta Tags
Meta titles and descriptions are crucial for SEO and Discover click-through rates.
How Keywords Help You Rank on Google Discover
Google Discover is the “For You” feed on mobile that shows personalized articles.
If you want your blog to appear there, focus on:
- High-quality, evergreen content (like this guide).
- Attractive large images (1200px wide) with clear topics.
- Fast loading speed and mobile optimization.
- Keyword-rich yet natural writing style.
Bonus Tip:
Use a plugin like WebP Converter for Media to reduce image size for faster page speed — a major ranking factor for Discover.
E-A-T Principles
Google wants to rank websites that show:
- Expertise: Be consistent with your niche (SEO, blogging, etc.).
- Authoritativeness: Add author bio and link credible sources.
- Trustworthiness: Use HTTPS and show contact information.
Following E-A-T helps your articles get indexed faster and appear in Google Discover recommendations.
Regular Posting & Trending Topics
To grow your visibility:
- Publish 2–3 times per week.
- Mix trending + evergreen topics.
Example ideas:
- “What are long-tail keywords in SEO”
- “Keyword research tools for bloggers”
- “How to use Target words for YouTube ranking”
Regular updates keep your site fresh and increase your Discover impressions.
Tracking & Improving
Use Google Search Console to monitor performance.
Check:
- Which articles appear in Discover.
- Which Target words bring the most clicks.
- What topics users engage with most.
Repeat what works best — that’s how you grow long-term organic traffic.
Summary
Target words are the foundation of SEO and online visibility.
They connect your content with the right audience and help search engines understand what your page is about.
Here’s the recap:
- What are keywords: Words or phrases people search for.
- What are SEO keywords: Strategic terms optimized for search visibility.
- What are long-tail keywords: Longer, specific phrases that drive targeted traffic.
In short, understanding and using keywords effectively is the key to ranking higher, attracting the right audience, and succeeding in blogging or digital marketing.
