4 SEO Tactics Most Small Businesses Forget (Tip #1a)
So we’ve learned the importance of keyword research in the first DIY SEO tip. You’re now a master at keyword research, spitting out long-tails in website meetings at a moment’s notice.
Then the jackass new guy sitting across from you asks, “what about Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI)?”
OK… maybe he doesn’t go parenthetical, but you get the point.
Never fear, Latent Semantic Indexing is one of those names made up to make people sound a lot smarter than they are. Google describes it a lot better in their keyword tool – additional keywords to consider.
The idea is that keywords lead to other keywords – or themes.
Additional Keywords to Consider – Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI)
Just think of Latent Semantic Indexing as keyword synonyms that Google expects to find on web pages relevant to certain subjects.
In other words, if you have a web page about log cabins, Google might tell you that in addition to its keyword recommendations, there are additional keywords you might want to consider. I don’t know, maybe “syrup” or “Grizzly Adams.” Words that Google would expect to find on a page relevant to log cabins.
What’s more, Google also tells us, in an actual parenthetical (unlike the new guy in the intro), that the additional words are “sorted by relevance.” This is really important, so make sure you understand what Google is really saying.
The additional keywords are listed in order by level, or rank, of relevance. The most relevant additional keywords are listed first. Least relevant, last.
So what does this mean for you? Use some of these highly relevant additional keywords in your site content. Google thinks they should be there. If they make sense for your page content, make sure you weave them into your copy.
Show Me How
First, go to Google Keyword Tool.
You’ll see a description of the tool and then a couple options on how you’d like to generate your keyword ideas. Select “Descriptive words or phrases” to start.
Assuming you have generated your list of keywords as we discussed in the keyword research post, you’re ready to generate your additional keywords. Make sure “Use synonyms” is checked and enter you keyword into the box.
Fill out the Captcha below the box and click the “Get keyword ideas” button.
When Google returns the keywords list, scroll down until you see the next group of words. It will say, “Additional keywords to consider.” This is where you find your LSI words. And remember, Google tells us they are sorted by relevance. So the words at the top are the most likely to be found on a page relevant to your keyword search term… according to Google.
Take a look at the top words and grab those that make sense for your site content. You’ll want to make sure you incorporate some or all of these words.
See… definitely not as hard as the name would suggest. And now you’re ready to answer the new guy about LSI in your next web meeting. And might not be a bad idea to bring up some of his “latent” behaviors at the same time.
Look for the next DIY SEO tip post on effective page titles next week.
Image by Balaji Dutt Courtesy of flickr Creative Commons
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