Semantic Keywords Guide for Beginners: Learn Simple SEO That Works

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure

Semantic keywords are words related to your main topic. They help Google understand the whole meaning of your content. It’s not just about repeating your primary keyword. It’s about showing Google the entire picture.

For example, if your topic is SEO, related words like ranking, organic traffic, and search results help Google see that your content is really about SEO.

Simple Way to Think About Semantic Keywords

Imagine your main topic is the main dish at a meal.

Semantic keywords are the side dishes that complement it.

Main dish: SEO

Side dishes: Ranking, traffic, Google search, keywords, and content.

When someone sees the full meal, they understand the whole topic. Google works the same way. It needs all the relevant words to appreciate your content fully.

Basic Examples

Here are a few examples of semantic keywords:

For SEO:

• Search engine optimisation
• Google ranking
• Organic traffic
• Search results
• On-page SEO
• Backlinks
• Keyword research

For Affiliate Marketing:

• Commission
• Referral link
• Passive income
• Partner program
• Niche site
• Product promotion

For Hosting for Bloggers:

• WordPress hosting
• Shared hosting
• Uptime
• Page speed
• Server location
• Beginner-friendly hosting

You don’t need to force these words in. Use them naturally where they fit within your content.

Importance of Semantic Keywords in SEO

In the past, SEO was all about repeating the same keyword. But now, Google is smarter. It looks at all the related words on the page.

For example, if you talk about SEO, ranking, and organic traffic, Google will know your page is about SEO. These semantic keywords help you:

• Rank for more related searches
• Sound natural
• Avoid keyword stuffing

How to Find Semantic Keywords

You don’t need paid tools to get started. Here is how you can find semantic keywords for free.

1. Type your main keyword into Google.
2. Look at the “People also ask” section.
3. Scroll to related searches at the bottom of the page.
4. Look at words that repeat in the top results.

These words are often your semantic keywords. For example, if you search for “SEO checklist,” you might see words like:

• On-page SEO
• Title tags
• Meta description
• Internal links
• Page speed

These are all related to SEO. Use them where they fit naturally in your content.

How to Use Semantic Keywords in Your Content

Once you know where to place your keywords, it’s time to add related words.

Here’s a simple process:

1. Pick one main keyword.
2. Collect 5 to 10 related words.
3. Write your content naturally, using these associated words to explain your ideas.

For example:

“These simple SEO tips can help you improve your Google ranking and get more organic traffic to your blog, all without paid ads.”

Here you’ve used:

• SEO tips
• Google ranking
• Organic traffic

These are related to SEO and make your content feel natural and complete.

Using Semantic Keywords in Affiliate Blogs

Using semantic keywords is powerful for affiliate blogs. Let’s look at an example.

For the Hostinger review, your related words might include:

• Shared hosting
• Uptime
• Page speed
• Beginner-friendly hosting
• WordPress install
• Cheap hosting plans

Example:

“In this Hostinger review, I test their shared hosting, check uptime, and page speed, and see if it’s really beginner-friendly for a new WordPress blog.”

This sounds natural and covers many related terms.

Read my full blogpost related to Hosting review for better understanding : 7 Best Web Hosting Services for Beginners (Step-by-Step Guide)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes when using semantic keywords.

• Forcing too many related words into one line.
• Creating a long list of random terms at the end of your post.
• Using words that don’t match the topic.
• Copying content without understanding the meaning.

A simple rule is this:

If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t use it in your content.

Simple Process for The Passive Circle

For each new post I follow these simple steps:

1. Pick my primary keyword.
2. I think of 5 to 10 related words.
3. I use Google to help find related words.
4. Write my post naturally for beginners.
5. As I edit, see where the associated words fit.

Don’t worry too much about keyword density. Just make sure your topic feels complete.

For example, if your main keyword is SEO checklist for beginners, related words could be:

• On-page SEO
• Title tag
• Meta description
• Internal links
• Page speed
• Mobile-friendly
• Keyword research

Use these words across headings, examples, and tips.

Quick Checklist Before You Publish

Before you hit publish, ask yourself:

• Do I have one explicit main keyword?
• Did I add several related phrases?
• Do my related words fit the topic naturally?
• Does my content explain the topic?
• Would it make sense to a friend if they’d never heard of semantic keywords?

If you can say yes to most of these, your semantic keywords are helping both Google and your readers.

Tools like Ubersuggest, SEMRush, Rank Math, and Ahrefs can help you check your keyword placement, keyword density, keyword optimization, semantic keywords suggestions, SEO score and performance.

FAQs about Semantic Keywords

Keywords and Intent SEO Navigation

Keyword Placement | Keyword Density | Keyword Optimization | Search Intent Matching | Semantic Keywords | LSI Keywords

Read my ultimate beginners friendly SEO guides. Learn & apply.