Types of Keywords in SEO: Complete Guide

Types of Keywords in SEO: Complete Guide

Semrush says the keyword “Laptop” has more than three million monthly search volumes. That seems like a highly lucrative keyword to target if you have a business selling laptops online.

But should you go for it? A simple search on Google will tell you otherwise. Big names like Amazon, Walmart, HP, and CNET occupy the top spots in SERP. Competing against these giants for top positions in search results is nearly impossible. So, what should you do?

The key is to find easy-to-rank keywords. However, to do that effectively, you need to understand the different types of keywords for SEO. Let us give you a simple overview of how to choose keywords for search engine optimization correctly.

What Are The Different Types of Keywords in SEO?

In SEO, keywords are categorized based on two aspects:

  • Search Intent
  • Length or specificity of the keyword

Search intent refers to why users enter particular keywords in the search engine. They might be looking for information, trying to understand a topic, or seeking an answer to a specific question. On the other hand, the length of the keyword indicates the number of words in the search term.

9 Most Important Types of Keywords for SEO

Understanding the search intent of your targeted audience is crucial to ranking high in SERP. Likewise, the number of words in a particular keyphrase can influence its search volume, competition, CTR, and user relevance. Let’s check the most important keywords types that heavily influence SEO.

1. Informational Keywords

Informational keywords are used to search for specific information.

Here are some examples:

  • How to format a laptop?
  • How to choose a laptop?

Why target informational keywords?

It helps users get the details they want. For the website, these keywords position your business as authoritative and trustworthy. Therefore, your website gains a higher search ranking, driving more traffic.

2. Commercial Keywords

Users put commercial keywords in search engines when they intend to take an action, such as buying something, but want more details.

Here are some examples:

  • Best Laptops Under $1000
  • HP Laptop reviews

Why target commercial keywords?

Targeting commercial keywords can help businesses attract users ready to take action, drive conversions, and boost ROI.

3. Transactional Keywords

These are pure buying intent keywords. This means that the users have made up their minds and are ready to proceed with the purchase.

Here are some examples:

  • Buy Apple Laptop
  • Order Laptop Online.

Why target transactional keywords?

Targeting transactional keywords helps businesses improve conversion rates. Creating quality content that targets purchase intent can significantly increase sales.

4. Navigational Keywords

Navigational search queries direct users to a specific page. Here, the user is already aware of his destination on the internet. The user enters the query to get the exact URL in search results.

Here are some examples:

  • Lenovo Laptop Documentations page
  • Samsung Laptop Online Store.

Why target navigational keywords?

Navigational keywords help users get direct traffic to their websites. These keywords enhance a brand’s reputation and visibility.

5. Branded Keywords

Any search query associated with a brand is called a branded keyword. With branded keywords, users seek details about specific brands.

Here are some examples:

  • Apple Laptop
  • Lenovo Laptop

Why target branded keywords?

Targeting branded keywords is beneficial if you are associated with a particular brand. Likewise, if you run a blog around a specific brand, branded search queries can help you funnel more traffic to your blog.

6. Local Keywords

Local keywords are search queries intended for a specific location. These queries only fetch results for the location in the search phrase, providing precise information.

Here are some examples:

  • Laptop for Sale in Florida
  • Laptop store near me

Why target local keywords?

Targeting local keywords boosts local SEO. It helps brands rank higher in local SERPs, increasing visibility for location-specific search terms.

Did You Know?
46% of all search queries have local search intent.

7. Short-Tail Keywords

Short or head keywords usually consist of one or two words. They have massive search volumes but are highly competitive and broad in scope.

Here are some examples:

  • Laptop
  • Dell Laptop

Why target short-tail keywords?

If you rank for short-tail keywords, you can receive massive traffic on your website. You can lead the traffic through a sales funnel to boost sales and conversions.

8. Mid-Tail Keywords

These keywords usually have three words. They are less competitive and have a moderate search volume.

Here are some examples:

  • Best Gaming Laptops
  • Cheap Dell Laptops

Why target Mid-Tail keywords?

They are less competitive than short-tailed keywords and, therefore, slightly easier to rank. Since search intent is clear with mid-tail keywords, you can better craft your content and attract targeted visitors.

9. Long-Tail Keywords

These search queries have five or more words. They are the least competitive and easy-to-rank keywords, often targeting a niche audience.

Here are some examples:

  • Best budget laptops for students
  • Top 5 Lenovo laptops for Engineers Under $2000

Why target Long-Tail keywords?

They are easy to rank and often have high conversion rates. Likewise, long-tail keywords are ideal for small businesses targeting niche audience segments.

Did You Know?
92% of all search queries users put in search results are long tail keywords.

How To Choose Keywords For Search Engine Optimization

Finding the right types of keywords is the cornerstone of a successful SEO strategy

  1. Search Intent – Understand your website type and choose keywords accordingly.
  2. Keyword Type – Pick long-tail keywords whenever possible.
  3. Search Volume – Always aim for moderate volume with low-difficulty keywords.
  4. Keyword Clustering – Group different types of keywords to create quality content that effectively satisfies search intent.
  5. Conversion Potential – Keep a balance between transactional and informational content. It boosts conversion potential.
  6. SEO Tools – Use quality SEO tools to fetch accurate keyword data.

Wrapping Up

Keywords are the backbone of any SEO strategy. These terms define when and where your site will appear in SERPs. Therefore, it’s prudent to understand different types of SEO keywords. This knowledge enables you to craft user-friendly content that ranks high in search engines.

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