One of the fundamental elements of SEO is keywords. Understanding different types of keywords helps website owners target the right audience, increase organic traffic, and improve conversions.
This article will discuss various types of keywords in SEO and how to use them effectively.
1. Types of Keywords Based on Search Intent
a. Navigational Keywords
Navigational keywords are used when users want to go directly to a specific website. For example, instead of typing a website URL in the browser, a user might search for “Tokopedia” on Google.
Examples:
- “Facebook login”
- “Shopee Indonesia”
- “Netflix official site”
b. Informational Keywords
These keywords are used when users are looking for information without the intent to make a purchase. They are often in the form of questions or phrases that indicate curiosity.
Examples:
- “How to cook fried rice”
- “What is SEO?”
- “History of Jakarta”
For blogs and educational websites, informational keywords are essential for increasing organic traffic.
c. Transactional Keywords
These keywords indicate that users are ready to take a specific action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a service. They often include words like “buy,” “discount,” “price,” or “promo.”
Examples:
- “Buy gaming laptop cheap”
- “Flight ticket promo 2024”
- “Latest iPhone price”
d. Commercial Investigation Keywords
These keywords are used by users who are considering a product or service before making a purchase. They often look for comparisons or reviews.
Examples:
- “Samsung Galaxy S23 review”
- “Toyota vs Honda comparison”
- “Best SEO services in Jakarta”
2. Types of Keywords Based on Length
a. Short-Tail Keywords
Also known as head keywords, these consist of one or two words. They have high search volume but are very competitive and not specific.
Examples:
- “SEO”
- “Gaming laptop”
- “Running shoes”
Since competition is high, new websites usually find it difficult to rank for short-tail keywords.
b. Medium-Tail Keywords
These consist of two to three words and are more specific than short-tail keywords. They have moderate competition but still attract a decent amount of traffic.
Examples:
- “SEO for beginners”
- “Best gaming laptop”
- “Men’s running shoes”
c. Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords consist of three or more words and are highly specific. While they have lower search volume, they have higher conversion rates because they better match user intent.
Examples:
- “How to learn SEO for beginners”
- “Affordable gaming laptop with RTX 4060”
- “Best running shoes for long-distance runners”
Websites looking to target specific audiences should optimize for long-tail keywords.
3. Types of Keywords Based on Target Audience
a. Branded Keywords
These keywords include the name of a specific brand. They are usually searched by users who are already familiar with the brand and are looking for more information.
Examples:
- “Nike running shoes”
- “MacBook Pro review”
- “GoJek vs Grab”
b. Non-Branded Keywords
These do not include any brand name and are used to reach a broader audience.
Examples:
- “Best running shoes”
- “Laptops for video editing”
- “Best online transportation apps”
Non-branded keywords are crucial for new businesses that have not yet established strong brand recognition.
4. Types of Keywords Based on Location
a. Local Keywords
Local keywords target audiences based on a specific geographical location. These are useful for businesses with a physical store or services in a particular area.
Examples:
- “SEO services in Jakarta”
- “Best Japanese restaurant in Bandung”
- “Cheap hotels near Malioboro”
b. Global Keywords
These are not limited to any location and have a broader audience. They are often used for businesses that can serve customers from different countries.
Examples:
- “How to learn SEO”
- “Best smartphones 2024”
- “Online marketing tips”
5. Types of Keywords Based on Trends
a. Seasonal Keywords
These keywords gain popularity only during specific times of the year, such as holidays or annual events.
Examples:
- “Eid holiday flight promo 2024”
- “Christmas gift ideas for kids”
- “Summer fashion trends”
b. Evergreen Keywords
Evergreen keywords remain relevant all year round and are not affected by seasonal trends.
Examples:
- “How to lose weight”
- “Long-term investment tips”
- “Learn English for beginners”
Understanding different types of keywords in SEO is crucial for improving digital marketing strategies. By targeting the right keywords based on search intent, length, audience, location, and trends, businesses can increase their visibility on search engines and attract more potential customers.
For website owners and SEO Agency, keyword research is a critical first step to ensuring that the content they create aligns with user needs and has a high chance of ranking well on Google.
