What are LSI Keywords: Do they Impact SEO Rankings?

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Are your SEO efforts getting paid off?
Is content marketing drawing you the desired returns?
Whether it is SEO or content marketing, the right keyword choice is crucial to your success.
But are we stressing too much on our prime keywords?
Well, keyword stuffing doesn't work anymore. The key to creating content that performs is context. You need to increase the power of your content with LSI keywords.
So, before we understand what LSI keywords are, let's see some important stats:
Over 15% of Google's daily searches include new terms. People use these terms in the search queries for the first time. Now, Google receives trillions of searches every year. Thus, adding up to millions of new terms.
We can also call these new search queries 'new keyword combinations.' Googlers are using these combinations to define the right context for their search query.
Now, when Google wishes to offer Googlers the most-suitable results for their query, these new terms or 'LSI keywords' play a crucial role. They decide the context of the search query. And therefore, Google considers LSI keywords an important ranking factor.
So, LSI keywords have a positive impact on your SEO. And they increase the contextuality of your content. It increases your search visibility for related searches.
So as we walk down this article, we will learn:

• What is an LSI keyword?
• Importance of LSI keywords;
• Impact of LSI keywords on SEO;
• How to find LSI keywords? and
• Top 7 Tools to Find LSI Keywords

So, here is everything to know about LSI keywords and how to leverage them:

What are LSI Keywords

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Google has been displaying its inclination towards 'context-based search' for a long time. Google has been aggressively talking about LSI keywords in their posts.
So, LSI stands for Latent Semantic Index(ing). It is a computer program developed to learn how context-based search works.
This program reads the content to understand the relationship between keywords and concepts. Thus, learning various synonyms or new terms that define your content piece's context or theme.

A Simple Definition of LSI Keywords is:

In terms of SEO, LSI keywords are terms that readily sync with the main keyword.
These semantic terms tell both users and search engines why content is produced in the first place. They define the concept or theme of a content piece.
For example, your main keyword is "Search Engine Optimization." Now your LSI keywords would be:

• What is Search Engine Optimization
• Search Engine Optimization Definition
• How to grow SEO rankings
• Top SEO tools
• Effective SEO techniques
• Best SEO companies
• Best Search Engine Optimization Services

So as you can notice, all the above terms add a theme to the main keyword ("Search Engine Optimization"). These terms readily combine with the main keyword.
With this, some synonyms can also be LSI keywords, but not all.
The use of synonyms in your content can help you find relief from stuffing exact keywords. And it can give a push forward to your SEO efforts. But, all synonyms cannot be LSI keywords.
Let's check another example:
In the above image, all the auto-suggested searches represent LSI keywords for the main keyword, "exhaust fan."
Remember, this is just one way of finding LSI keywords. There are various other ways and even tools for the same. We will discuss them in detail later.

Impact of LSI keywords on SEO

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In the early days, Google's algorithm worked differently. It was a more keyword-focused search.
Google crawlers or "spiders" are used to scan a website by crawling from one link to another. And they used exact-match keywords to understand the theme of a content piece.
For example, Suppose you published a content piece on "7 Best Tools for LSI Keyword Research".
Then, Google would scan your content for the keyword "LSI keyword research." The spiders would crawl to check the occurrence of this keyword in:

• The title tag,
• Content introduction,
• H1 heading, H2 and H3, and other subheaders,
• Entire content body
• Image alt text

It was the time when you could boost your SEO efforts through keyword stuffing. However, Google's crawling method changed after the LSI update.
With the idea to make its search more accurate, in 2004, Google integrated latent semantic within its algorithm.
Google confirmed this algorithm update as the Brandy update
Now, other than checking LSI keywords, Google wanted to understand other content concepts as well. Therefore, this algorithm update was considerate of factors like:

• LSI keywords
• Understanding of anchor text in hyperlinks
• Understanding the external linking structure

It was a far-reaching change in the way Google delivered results. These SEO improvements include:

1. Search Engines Understand The Page Better

With the new algorithm update, the search engine deluded its sole dependency on the exact-match keywords.
Instead, it uses latent semantic indexing for understanding context and synonyms.
Like in the above example ("7 Best Tools for LSI Keyword Research"), Google would also search for related keywords like:

• Tools for keyword research
• Keyword generator tools
• Best keyword research tools
• Related search queries
• Below the results, Google shows some LSI keywords that people are using for similar queries.
  
• LSI Graph
• Keys4up
• Tools to find LSI keywords

The LSI update helps Google to understand the overall content and topic.

2. Google Values the Context of Search

Google now reads content the way a human reads. After the Google BERT update, Google will understand a user’s context (an example is shown in the image below), which helps in your LSI program.
The LSI program enables it to categorize synonyms, related keywords, and main keywords.

• It can now understand the crux (or intent) with ease and display the most relevant results.
• It can even differentiate between literal and figurative expressions.

3. Understanding the Overall Picture of Your Business

The LSI algorithm is smart enough to comprehend your company name, website, and your industry.
The crawlers now better understand the content on each web page. Also, it comprehends your business as a whole.
The LSI update makes it evident that Google even values those 15% of new terms. So, let's understand why LSI keywords are important and how they benefit us.

Importance of LSI keywords

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As mentioned earlier, Google is witnessing millions of new search queries every year. And Google has already modified its algorithm to consider and source the best results for these queries.
Google said, "There are trillions of searches on Google every year. Fifteen percent of searches we see every day are new—which means there's always more work for us to do to present people with the best answers to their queries from a wide variety of legitimate sources."
The statement means that Google's new algorithm considers LSI keywords crucial when ranking websites on SERPs. And without any doubt, it is important for overall SEO services. So, What Benefits LSI Keywords Offer?

1. Semantic Keywords Boost Content's Contextuality:

While you add LSI keywords to your page, you can expect a boost in its contextuality. Thus, making it easy for search engines to understand the theme of your content piece.

2. Related Keywords Increases Search Rankings and Site Visibility

Adding LSI keywords allows search engines to understand the theme or concept of your content. LSI keywords give you a chance to add a variety of user search intent keywords into the content.
And search engines appreciate it, thereby pushing your ranks higher in the SERPs.
Moreover, LSI keywords make your content more relevant for specific search queries. And this increases your search visibility for related search queries.

3. LSI Keywords Improve SEO Ranking Factors and Conversions

Semantic keywords improve the relevancy of your web content. It means your website appears for relevant searches. And the traffic you attract is also relevant.
Therefore, you can witness a lower bounce rate and increased activity on the page. Relevant traffic also means higher conversions.
Now that we have understood, LSI keywords are crucial. They impact our SEO and content marketing efforts. Furthermore, they improve our conversions.
So, let's check the best ways to find LSI keywords in the next section.

How to Find LSI Keywords?

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As you know, LSI keywords work in combination with your main (targeted) keywords. So, you must start by defining your main keyword set.
You can then use the main keywords to find your related keywords. Yes, it can be as simple as it sounds!
So, here are some ways to find LSI keywords:

1. Use Suggested Searches or Autocomplete on Google

One of the simplest ways to find LSI keywords is via Google Autocomplete.
You need to type your main keyword in the Google search tab. And you will see many auto-suggested searches in the dropdown.
Now the words that appear in the bold as auto-suggestions are your LSI keywords.
Check the related keywords that are relevant to your content. And smartly include them in your blogs or web content.

2. Check for Google's 'Related Searches'

You can simply use Google's 'Related Searches' feature to find semantic keywords.
Just search your main keywords on Google and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
You can now check the "Related Searches" section and choose the keywords relevant to your content.

3. Make Use of 'People Also Ask' Section

Another useful resource is the "People Also Ask" box on the search engine results page. This box lists some of the most common and relatable search queries.
You can easily check these queries to screen some related keywords.
Use these keywords in your content to unveil endless opportunities.

4. Use LSI Keyword Generator Tools

There are LSI Keyword Generator tools that can simplify your keyword research process.
You can enter your main keywords in the search bar, and the tool provides a long list of related keywords. Then you can manually choose the terms relevant to your content. Some of the best free LSI keyword tools are Answer the public, Soovle, keys4up, etc.

Top 7 Tools to Find LSI Keywords

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So tools are one of the best ways to accelerate your LSI keyword research process. Here are the most popular tools:

1. LSIGraph

Many marketers use the LSIGraph tool, and it is free to use. It offers limited access in the Free version, while its paid version provides copious suggestions and advanced search metrics. It is also one of the simplest LSI keyword research tools.
One can now use the LSIGraph tool as a WordPress plugin too!

How to Use LSIGraph?

• Just submit your main keyword in the search bar
• Click on "Generate" and verify the Captcha
• The tool will provide a long list of semantic keywords

You can take a look at the metrics for each keyword suggestion. And choose the most relevant keywords for your content. The tool also offers "Top Performing Content" alongside the keywords. You can unlock other advanced metrics with the paid version that starts at $27/month.

2. KeywordTool.io

Keywordtool.io is a good option for performing well-categorized keyword research. The tool offers limited access in the Free version while provides an advanced PRO version.
Keyword Tool generates LSI keywords for Google, YouTube, Amazon, Bing, eBay, Twitter, and Playstore.
The PRO version provides an optimized search for Google, Bing, YouTube, and other search engines.

How Keyword Tool differs from Google Keyword Planner?

Google Keyword Planner doesn't include auto-suggested keywords. In Contrast, Keyword Tool extracts and displays the auto-suggested keywords.

How is Keyword Tool Free Version different from Pro Version?

• The Free version offers up to 10 autocomplete keywords. While the PRO version includes 20 autocomplete keywords.
• The PRO version offers detailed keyword metrics (Search Volume, Cost-Per-Click Data, Competitor Keyword Analysis)
• You can use up to 5 negative keywords to filter the suggestions in the Free version. The negative keyword limit for the PRO version is above 2000 keywords.

How to Use Keyword Tool?

• Type your main keyword in the search bar
• Choose the desired search engine, target location, and language. Click on "Search."
• The tool will produce results in 3 categories – Keywords, Questions, and Prepositions.
• You can further filter using negative keywords.

The Pro version of the tool starts at $69/month.

3. SEOPressor

SEOPressor started as an LSI keyword research tool. But it has now grown as an intelligent complete SEO WordPress Plugin known as SEOPressor Connect.
From website audit, competitive analysis to intelligent suggestions, SEOPressor supports entire website SEO.

What Makes SEOPressor Worthy?

• The tool starts with a detailed website audit.
• It then uses its Google-Emulating On-page SEO Analysis and offers suggestions.
• The tool checks the website's performance on the search engines.
• It then uses its semantic builder to get things done for you.
• It delivers unlimited LSI keyword suggestions.

The tool covers the entire SEO spectrum at just $9/month.

4. Ubersuggest

UberSuggest can make your keyword research more organized and SEO semantic. The tool offers a competent amount of data even in the Free version.
With this, you can also switch to the paid version that starts at $10/month.
You can generate an extensive keyword list for Web, YouTube, Images, Shopping, and News.
With this, you can filter keywords using target location and language.
It is a comprehensive SEO tool and can help you with competitor keyword analysis too.
Moreover, Ubersuggest has introduced the Keywords Everywhere Chrome extension.
This extension generates an extensive array of LSI keyword suggestions. It displays the keywords alongside CPC and Monthly Volume.

Key Features of Keywords Everywhere Chrome Extension:

• You can export keyword data using the "Favourite" option
• You get target location-specific search volume
• You can choose the "Bulk" option to analyze up to 10,000 LSI keywords.

5. LongTailPro

Long Tail Pro is a much-praised SEO research tool. The tool was launched in 2011 and has witnessed significant growth over the years.
The tool helps you generate abounding LSI keyword ideas. It also offers competitive keyword research.

Key Features of Long Tail Pro tool:

• One can use the main targeted keyword to generate abounding related keyword ideas
• Detailed keyword metrics – Average Keyword Difficulty, Volume, CPC, and Competition
• You can choose the target location and language
• You can check the keyword difficulty you must target by adding your domain
• It offers insightful competitive analysis with detailed metrics
• The new "Rank Value" metrics enables you to check Keyword Profitability

Long Tail Pro is a comprehensive SEO tool and allows you to go deep with your research.
It provides a 7-day Free Trial. Then you can buy the starter plan worth $37/month.

6. Google Ads Keyword Planner

It is the most commonly used keyword research tool. Google Keyword Planner is precisely designed for advertisers.
The tool helps them find the most appropriate keywords for search ads, display ads, and video ads.
The tool is free, but you need to create a Google Ads account to use it.
The tool enables users to search for keywords by entering the website, phrase, or category. It offers the search volume, suggested bid, and competition details alongside the keyword suggestions.

The Basic Steps to Use Google Ads Keyword Planner:

• Type the keyword (product/service name) in the search bar
• Choose the category or a target landing page
• Select the language and target location
• Choose the keyword filters (if you wish to customize your search)
• Hit the "Get Ideas" button for the tool to generate results
• You can download these keyword ideas as a CSV file or save them to your Google Drive

Advertisers use the tool in different ways to get the best out of it.

7. Ultimate Keyword Hunter

It is a competent free tool for finding LSI keywords. The tool can be downloaded and installed on your Windows PC.
Ultimate Keyword Hunter has a different usage procedure than other free tools. One could also use the tool for creating SEO semantic content.
You can take a learn how to use this tool step by step through its website.

How Ultimate Keyword Hunter works?

• It scrutinizes and collects keywords from the Top 50 websites on Google. And then offers a list of LSI keywords.
• You have the choice to change the word count, search engine, or domain.
• You can also suggest the number of pages you want the tool to analyze.
• Enter the 'stop words' or the sites to exclude while searching for LSI keywords
• You can pick the relevant keywords from the list.
• You can also filter the keywords using the text or words you want the LSI keywords to include.
• You can import/export the keyword list in CSV format.

Into the Conclusion:

Latent semantic indexing in harmony with AI is ". Contextuality is the key to SEO success. And LSI keywords can help you grow your ranking power.
We have already learned the importance of LSI keywords for content marketing and SEO. And the above tips and tools can help you research LSI keywords with ease.
Now, you need to use them smartly in your content pieces and grow your rankings.
Furthermore, if you wish to add LSI keywords to your website or boost your rankings with expert SEO services, please connect with us.