As Google continually releases search algorithm updates, proper keyword optimization on our web pages becomes more important now than ever. Proper keyword optimization does not involve overloading your specific keywords on your pages. Rather, you need a holistic approach to keyword research coupled with the semantic nature of indexing by search engines.

The term “semantic nature” refers to the semantic indexing capabilities of search engines. That is, how search engines understand what you are looking for through the keywords or key phrases you used when searching the web. For example, if you typed “queen’s anniversary” in the Google, Yahoo, or Bing search bar, the search engine would return results that contain this key phrase. Topics that search engines think are most related to the keyword phrase are at the top of the SERPs. These will likely include the Queen of the UK’s most recent diamond anniversary or her wedding anniversary. To take advantage of this search engine indexing behavior, we must take a holistic approach to keyword research. Here are some tips for doing this.

1. Create a list of keywords or related key phrases

Make a list of closely related keywords that include variations of the keywords you want to rank for. Of course, the variations shouldn’t stray too far from the original meaning of your specific keywords.

You can consider the key phrases that appear at the bottom of Google search results pages under “related searches.” Since Google considers sentences to be “related,” probably based on a semantic indexing view, it’s best to start your keyword research on them.

2. Created a list of supporting keywords

After listing the semantic keywords, expand your list to include supporting keywords. These keywords should support the concept of the listed semantic keywords. Your supporting keywords will increase the chances that your site will be included in the SERPs generated by your specific keywords and keywords thematically related to these specific keywords.

The keyword phrase, “SEO pagerank”, for example, can be used by people looking for a free online tool to check the PageRank of their sites; those who want to learn how PageRank works, or search engines who want to optimize their content to obtain a higher PageRank. Therefore, all of these possible search topics support the concept of “SEO pagerank”, so they can be used as sources of keywords thematically related to your target keywords.

3. Create parent keywords that address potential search queries

If the original goal of search engines is to check the PageRank of their sites, we can also think about what would come next in their mind after knowing that the PageRank value of their sites is low. They may want to learn new SEO strategies, keyword research, or proper keyword optimization. Based on the possible queries that may come up, you can generate trunk keywords that need to be addressed when writing your content. Not only would this improve the chances that your sites will rank higher in the SERPs, it would also improve the search engine experience.

4. Create content based on your lists

After your semantic keyword research, describe your content based on your keyword / keyphrase lists. Of course, you need to prioritize your specific keywords, then your supporting keywords, and lastly your parent keywords. Always keep in mind that Google favors content that enhances the user experience. Therefore, when creating content, always write about the benefits of your potential visitors before thinking about optimizing the content for better search engine rankings.