A keyword is the word or phrase someone types into a search engine.
Example: “best running shoes”, “SEO agency London”, “how to fix a leaky faucet”.
Keywords matter because they reveal intent. And intent is the whole game in SEO.
Not all keywords are equal 🧠
Informational
“What is…” “How to…” People want answers.
Commercial
“Best…” “Top…” People compare options.
Transactional
“Buy…” “Price…” People want to take action.
Navigational
“Brand name login” People want a specific site.
If your page doesn’t match the intent, it won’t rank (or it won’t convert). The keyword is the clue.
Keyword FAQ 🙋
What is a keyword in SEO?
A keyword is the word or phrase people search for. SEO pages are created to match that search intent.
Is keyword stuffing still a thing?
It exists, but it’s a bad idea. Write naturally and focus on answering the query. Stuffing keywords can hurt readability and performance.
What is search intent?
Search intent is what the searcher actually wants: information, comparison, purchase, or a specific site. Intent matters more than exact wording.
How do I choose the right keywords?
Start with your audience’s real questions, check what already ranks, and pick keywords you can satisfy with strong content.
What is a long-tail keyword?
A long-tail keyword is a more specific phrase (often lower volume) that usually has clearer intent and can be easier to rank for.
Back to the dictionary.