What Are LSI Keywords and How Do They Affect SEO?

Do you remember how marketers used to be focused on just one keyword, multiple repetitions of which could supposedly get an article to the top of Google? We at Cute Cats Copy remember that time, too. As copywriters, we had to create content focused on such a keyword, trying not just to use it, for example, 50 times, but also to preserve the meaning of the article, to make it readable and engaging. Fortunately, these times are gone, and now LSI keywords are used more often than the thoughtless repetition of a single word.

Today, we will discuss Latent Semantic Indexing (the full name from which the abbreviation LSI was derived). Let's find out what these words are, how to use them, and try to understand whether they are helpful for website SEO promotion.

LSI Keywords Definition: What We're Dealing With

In simple words, LSI is a method used to find the relationship between words in articles. When discussing SEO, we refer to terms related to your main query. Let's try to explain with the example of an LSI keyword search for the word "winter." What is associated with this time of year? Snow, sledding, snowballs, cold, frost, New Year's Eve. You will be okay with understanding LSI terms if you have grasped the principle.

Most optimizers and SEO specialists are focused on Google. This company's employees have discussed LSI's importance for over seven years. At the same time, they report that LSI does not exist. So what is it, and is it even worth bothering with the selection and use of such words?

The short answer is yes; it's worth it. The fact is that search engines are no longer as stupid as they were even a decade ago. Now, they evaluate the keywords on a page and other terms related to your chosen topic. The more of them, and the more accurately they are selected, the better the result will be. The conclusion is self-evident: LSI keyword research is integral to a promotion strategy.

What About Synonyms and Keywords for LSI

Some users believe such words can be given little time and attention in the marketing strategy. They think you can just take synonyms, which will be enough. They are very much mistaken. You should remember a simple axiom: only some synonyms will be LSI keywords in SEO.

See what results Google shows when you type in the query "What are LSI keywords." Note that there are no synonyms here. What you see are phrases related to this topic.

LSI Keywords Benefits and Importance

Google constantly changes its algorithms to ensure users can read relevant content. This is why context and related terms are so important. Also, adding LSI keywords to your page is necessary for the following reasons:

• Increasing your website's search engine ranking and, as a result, increasing organic traffic. If you organically include LSI words in your article, Google will be able to search for the main keyword and them.
• Preventing your context from being marked as spam. This applies to search engines. If you use different words related to the topic, you don't have to worry about a search engine marking your articles as spun or spam.
• Increasing the relevancy of your content. By analyzing related words, Google can suggest to users what they are actually interested in. This way, organic traffic will increase, and the bounce rate will decrease.
• Using language more naturally will help keep users on your site. The article is hard to read when all the text revolves around one keyword. This is one of the reasons why users may leave your site. In addition, over-spamming negatively affects the quality of the text, and LSI for Google allows you to avoid it.

Are there any disadvantages to using LSI keywords in an article? There are, but they are not very significant. It is worth remembering that the check does not consider prepositions, conjunctions, or word order. Also, the search engine does not perceive irony, so be careful when using figurative meaning. Another is the inability to perceive polysemous words (e.g., mouse as a computer device and rodent). However, this does not mean that such expressions should not be used. On the contrary, LSI words help you understand the context of your articles.

How to Find LSI Keywords: Top Tools

So, we have already figured out the LSI keyword meaning, and now you definitely can't wait to start using them. However, there is one problem: how to choose the correct terms? We will help you with that. Here's a list of tools you can safely use:

• Google Keyword Planner. Excellent for initial examination, but should be used with other instruments for best results.
• Google Autocomplete. It's suitable for initial analysis, too. In addition, it is elementary to use. Type your main keyword into the search box, and you'll see what you can add.
• SEMrush. One of the best checkers to analyze competitors' semantics. This way, you can easily find LSI words for similar articles.
• Serpstat. With this tool, you can view related keywords, search suggestions, and search questions.
• KeywordTool.io. Although you will have to pay to use all the features of this tool, the free version allows the user quite a few options.

There are many paid and free tools to find LSI keywords. You can use one, but we recommend trying several for the best results.

How to Use LSI Keywords to Boost Your SEO Score

You already know what is the LSI keyword in SEO and learn how to find it, but what to do next? How can you achieve results in the form of increasing the rank of your site in search engine results? We will give you some tips on effectively using such words, which will help you achieve better indexing.

1. Use LSI Words in Title Tags

More often than not, these words are a variation of your main long tail keyword. For example, if you enter the "copywriting techniques" query, you will get the LSI words "best copywriting techniques for beginners." That's what you should include in your Title. Thus, you will have the opportunity to promote several keywords at once.

2. Add LSI Words to Meta Descriptions

In general, the principle here is the same as with Title. However, there is one nuance. The description is longer than the Title, so many SEO specialists want to add several search queries. Refrain from doing this to the detriment of readability because the Description is seen not only by search engines but also by users. They will definitely pass by a useless text.

3. Use LSI Words in the Alt of your Images

It's not a good idea to overload Alt with such words. Also, remember that images should be as relevant to the topic as possible.

4. Add LSI Words to Content

We suggest using relevant queries in the first half of your article. Lower frequency terms can be placed below. Avoid over-spamming because it will harm your content.

5. Try to Include LSI Words in H1 and H2

Search engines pay special attention to headings, so it is necessary to add relevant queries, at least in H1 and H2. As for H3, experts still argue about it. We remain on the side of readability and usefulness of content, so we believe that if a keyword can not be added to H3 without damage to them, do not do it.

To Sum Up

Technology is evolving, so we are sure semantically related words will retain their relevance for a long time. If you want to bring your content to perfection and raise it to the top, utilize them. Use the tips from our article to do it right. And if you want to order LSI content, contact us; we will help!