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Glossary – LSI keys

LSI keys

Nikiforov Alexander
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What are LSI Keywords?

LSI keywords, or latent semantic indexing keywords, are words and phrases that complement the main SEO query, being closely related to it both in meaning and topic. These keywords form the context of a web page, allowing search engines to more accurately interpret the content. Let's look at a few examples to better understand how semantic keywords are selected:

  • Main SEO Query: healthy breakfast recipes
    • LSI Keywords: healthy breakfast foods, vegan breakfasts, healthy eating ideas for breakfast
  • Main SEO Query: tourist attractions in Paris
    • LSI Keywords: famous places in Paris, cultural landmarks in France, parks and gardens in Paris
  • Main SEO Query: tips for caring for dry hair
    • LSI Keywords: nourishing masks for dry hair, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, causes of hair dryness and their treatment

How Does LSI Work?

The latent semantic indexing (LSI) method is a strategy for analyzing and indexing text, used by search engines to gain a deep understanding of web page content. Search algorithms process textual materials, identifying hidden relationships between words and terms, which allows them to determine the context and meaning of the text.

This approach enables algorithms to compare and analyze resources based on their semantic content rather than just the presence of certain keywords. For example, if the text about jewelry includes the keywords "buy refrigerator," the search engine is unlikely to index them, as there is no logical connection between the context and the keywords. LSI helps algorithms find similar pages, cluster texts, and recommend content to users. Without LSI phrases, search engines rely only on statistical data, such as keyword frequency and placement, making it difficult to determine the correct context.

Types of LSI Keywords

There are two main types of LSI keywords:

  • Synonymous Keywords: words that are close in meaning to the main query. For example, for the query "fabric," synonyms might include "material," "cloth," "textile."
  • Relevant Keywords: words that are indirectly related to the topic of the text. For the SEO keyword "fabric," relevant LSI keywords could include "knitwear," "silk," "velvet," "wear resistance," "washing," "ironing."

Typically, texts using LSI employ synonymous and relevant words in equal proportions. However, synonymous keywords are considered more important for promotion since they can replace the main query. Nevertheless, finding synonyms can be more challenging for narrow-topic articles.

How to Collect LSI Phrases and Words?

There are several effective ways to collect LSI keywords:

  • Brainstorming: think of phrases associated with the topic of your article and words that can help more accurately define the content of the text. For example, the query "buy atlas" might lead to various resources, such as online fabric stores and car dealers, but additional words can help the user find exactly what they need.
  • Search Suggestions: search engines like Yandex and Google show suggestions based on the entered keyword phrase, which are regularly updated according to user behavior. These suggestions can serve as excellent LSI words.
  • Similar Queries: both Google and Yandex display similar queries at the bottom of the search results page. These queries may contain indirectly semantic words useful for gathering LSI keywords.
  • Yandex.Wordstat: this service allows you to quickly and freely gather relevant and synonymous LSI keywords by showing additional words that users enter along with the main query.

How to Properly Use LSI Words and Phrases?

When writing texts, it is important to include thematic words that are close to the main query. However, they may not be sufficient for search engines to determine the context. During the copywriting process, consider the volume of the material: short texts will require only a few LSI words, whereas longer articles are better off with more.

While LSI keywords are important, do not forget about other aspects of text optimization, such as analyzing the keywords used by competitors and evaluating materials that rank in the top. Here are some recommendations for using LSI phrases:

  • Maintain Naturalness: insert LSI keywords in a way that they fit organically into the text without disrupting its readability.
  • Create Variety: use different LSI keywords related to the topic of the text, which will help search engines better understand the context.
  • Preserve Meaning: ensure that LSI keywords are logically connected to the topic and main keywords, enhancing the understanding of the material.
  • Add LSI Keywords in Titles: this will strengthen their connection to the keywords and emphasize their importance to the text's topic.

Optimization should not be the main goal. The most important thing is to create useful, informative, and engaging content for users. Use keywords organically, considering the readability and flow of the text, and if necessary, add them to link anchors or image captions.