Keywords form the backbone of any successful SEO strategy. They are the words and phrases that people use to search for information, products, or services online.
As an SEO content writer, understanding how keywords work and their impact on search engine rankings is crucial.
In this article, we will dive into the answer to the question, “Do SEO keywords need to be exact?” We will explore the significance of precise keyword usage, the potential harms of using disturbed keywords, the difference between broad, exact, and phrase keywords, and ultimately, whether exact match keywords are essential for effective SEO.
Table of Contents
Why Do SEO Keywords Need to Be Exact?
Exact match keywords refer to using the exact same words in your article/webpage that match the words used in search queries.
So whenever someone searches for that specific keyword, your webpage would rank on that keyword, and the readers will go to your article to satisfy his intent behind that keyword. This practice is a major factor in ranking your articles against that specific keyword. But, remember this is not the only factor for this.
In the early days of SEO, the practice of using exact match keywords was heavily emphasized as a way to signal to search engines that your page was highly relevant to a particular search term. However, search engine algorithms have evolved significantly since then. Now they have added new factors in making sure of the relevancy and ultimately ranking.
Search engines like Google now utilize special algorithms that understand context and synonyms. This means that exact match keywords are no longer the only way to rank for a specific search term.
Others include phrase match keywords and broad match keywords. Today, search engines are more focused on delivering high-quality, relevant content to users, irrespective of whether the keywords are an exact match.
What if you use a Disturbed Keyword?
Disturbed keyword usage means that you have unintentionally disturbed the sequence of alphabets in your keyword. It could be deleting one or more alphabets from your keyword or unnecessary addition of any alphabet in your keyword.
These practices disturb your keyword so when you use that keyword in your article, you will not get your required results. Because now you are missing that traffic which is going to search for that specific keyword.
The above discussion was from a Writer’s point of view. Now we’ll look at the user/reader’s point of view who is going to search that specific keyword.
On the consumer’s end, search engines like Google has improvised a couple of convenient strategies to make it easier for them.
According to Google’s recent update about exact match keywords, when considering the results for exact keywords your content can appear for searches with:
- Spelling mistakes
- Singular or plural versions of your keyword
- Variations of your keyword (like “floor” and “flooring”)
- Abbreviations
- Accents
That means if a user enter keyword with slight variation, then Google will automatically correct it and provide him the results which actually aligns with his intent.
For example, whether someone searches for “gaming laptops” or “laptops for gaming,” they have the same intention: they want a gaming laptop. Exact match keywords help you connect with these people, even if they use slightly different words, without needing to create long lists of keywords.
In a nutshell, exact keywords are a smart way to target the right audience who is looking for your business, regardless of small differences in their search terms. It makes your ad show up for searches that closely match your chosen keyword, helping you reach the right customers without overwhelming yourself with tons of keywords.
Broad vs Exact Keyword Match:
To better understand the answer of “do seo keywords need to be exact?”, let’s consider the differences between broad vs exact keyword match types. Broad match allows search engines to display your content for search queries that are variations or related to your targeted keywords.
For instance, if your broad match keyword is “organic skincare,” your content might show up for searches like “natural skincare products” or “best organic skincare tips.”
On the other hand, exact match keyword specifically target the exact words or phrases in a search query. Using the previous example, if your exact match keyword is “organic skincare,” your content will only appear for searches that contain the exact phrase “organic skincare“.
Impact of semantic search on exact match keyword:
Search engines like Google have become more sophisticated in understanding the context and intent behind search queries. They now use semantic search, which goes beyond matching exact keywords and focuses on delivering results that best match the user’s intent.
Impact of Voice search on exact keywords:
The rise of voice search has influenced the use of exact keywords. Voice queries are often longer and more conversational. Voice search has changed how people formulate search queries. Because of voice searches search engines now tend to rely less on exact match keywords and more on natural language processing.
Conclusion:
Now you have got the answer of “ do seo keywords need to be exact ?”, and now you also know about all other aspects that affect exact match keywords.
In conclusion, the landscape of SEO and keyword usage has evolved significantly. While exact keywords were once vital, search engines now prioritize delivering valuable content to users over rigid keyword matching. The emphasis is on high-quality, relevant content that provides genuine value to readers.
As an SEO content writer, it’s essential to focus on producing well-crafted, informative, and engaging content. While incorporating relevant keywords is still important, the days of exact match keywords being the sole driving force behind search rankings are gone.
Call to Action:
So you should try a more holistic SEO approach, considering broader and phrase match keywords as well, and above all, prioritize user experience. By doing so, your content is more likely to earn higher search rankings and maintain long-term success in the dynamic world of SEO.
FAQs:
Difference between broad exact and phrase keywords?
Broad Match Keywords: These provide a broader reach, showing your content for a wide range of related searches. While they may attract more traffic, they might not always be as relevant to your specific offering.
Exact Match Keywords: These are more targeted and relevant, ensuring that your content appears for specific search queries. However, relying solely on exact match keywords might limit your reach.
Phrase Match Keywords: These fall between broad and exact matches. They allow your content to appear for searches that include the exact phrase along with additional words before or after it. This provides a good balance between reach and relevance.
Do SEO keywords need exact order?
Yes, SEO keywords need exact order because if we change the order it would lose its worth as an effective keyword. The worth includes its search volume, its difficulty etc. In addition to this, there might be chances that in doing so your keyword will lose its meaning/context.
Do SEO keywords have to be one word?
No, it’s not necessary for the SEO keyword to be one word. It can have multiple words. Even it is said and has been proved that long tail keywords (containing more than 5 words) are more likely to rank your article because they usually have low competition in the market.
Which keywords are best to target?
Long-tail keywords, which are longer and more specific phrases, are gaining importance in SEO. These keywords are often specific and low-competitive, that allow better user targeting. So when a user enter keyword that is long tail and you already has written article on it, then your webpage will appear in his search results.