In recent years, search engines have gotten a lot smarter, delivering more accurate and context-aware results with every algorithm update. The SEO landscape has evolved dramatically - but you know what’s been impacted the most by all this change? Keywords. They've gone from simple matching tools to nuanced signals that help search engines truly understand intent. 

Previously, you could overstuff your content with keywords, but now you have to work smart to rank in a smarter, digital world. And now, among the major keys to unlocking this skill is to know the types of keywords (and how to use them).  

So, whether you’re a blogger, business owner, or curious marketer, understanding the types of SEO keywords can seriously boost your visibility. And this blog is all about it! 

What are Keywords in SEO? 

SEO keywords are phrases or words that users of any search engine use to look for their desired products, services, or information online.  

If SEO was a language, then keywords would be how people talk to search engines and how search engines understand what people want.  

For example, if you want to buy a coffee mug for your mother, you will search “cute coffee mugs for mom”. This is what a keyword looks like and marketers use it to put forward their products, services, or information. 

What is the Role & Importance of Keywords in SEO? 

Keywords hold paramount importance in the field of SEO. Without the right keywords, your content is like a billboard in the desert - technically visible, but not to anyone who cares. Keywords guide your content strategy. They help search engines determine what your content is about, where to rank it, and for whom it's most relevant. By using the right keywords in the right places, you get to speak directly to your ideal audience. 

This is why searching for the right keywords forms the basis of any great SEO strategy.  

What Are the Different Types of Keywords? 

Now, let’s understand the different types of keywords with examples and learn how they can make a significant impact on your SEO strategy. 

1. Seed Keywords 

Seed keywords are the most fundamental type of keywords. These are the starting points, the basic, broad keywords you build your strategy around. For example, if you run a fitness blog the seed keyword would be: 

• Fitness 

• Workout 

• Diet 

These are the basic terms that describe what you do, sell, or write about, which also makes them super-competitive. Finding these keywords often makes the first step in curating mid-tail or long-tail keywords. 

2. Keywords by Search Intent 

Search intent keywords focus on the why behind a search. People use these keywords for different reasons, which could be research, online shopping, decision-making, or finding a specific site. Here are four basic types of intent keywords: 

• Information Keywords 

Typically starting with “5Ws and 1H” (who, what, when, where, why, and how), these types of keywords are used when someone wants to learn something. Some examples include: ‘How to lose belly fat’, ‘What is intermittent fasting’, ‘Benefits of yoga’, and the like.  

• Commercial Keywords 

These types of keywords refer to advertising-related searches, often including the words: ‘price,’ ‘best,’ ‘review,’ and ‘comparison.’ They are mostly used by someone who is considering a purchase but still researching. Some examples are: ‘Best protein powder for women’ or ‘Top 10 fitness trackers 2025’. 

• Transactional Keywords 

This type of keyword is used when someone is ready to buy, including terms like ‘purchase,’ ‘order,’ ‘buy now,’ and ‘discount codes.’ Here are a few instances of the Transactional keyword; ‘buy protein online’ or ‘get personal training subscription’. 

• Navigational Keywords 

Users use navigational keywords to find a specific brand or website. This type of keyword usually implies an intention to take action and could look like this: ‘Nike official website’ or ‘MyFitnessPal Login’. 

3. Long-tail keywords 

These are super specific keyword phrases, often with three or more words. Due to their specificity, they are less competitive and thus a valuable part of SEO. Since users use them when they know exactly what they are looking for, they often have high intent. Examples of this type of keyword are: 

• Best yoga mat for beginners with back pain 

• How to meal prep for weight loss on a budget 

These types of keywords in SEO may not bring massive traffic, but they bring the right kind of traffic. 

4. Short-tail keywords 

Contrary to long-tail keywords, short-tail keywords are broad search phrases that are less specific and have a higher search volume. These are 1-2 words keywords that also have high competition and less intent clarity. This SEO keywords example includes: 

• Best exercises 

• Good diet 

5. Role-Oriented Keywords 

These are the main keywords that your content is built around. They serve a specific function in helping search engines understand your content and rank it for relevant search queries. The two main types of role-oriented keywords include: 

• Primary Keywords 

This is the main keyword that your content might be targeting. For example, if your blog post is titled "10 Best Dumbbells for Home Workouts", then “best dumbbells for home workouts” can make the primary keyword. 

• Secondary Keywords 

These are supporting keywords that are related to your primary keywords. They add depth and help with semantic understanding. Some examples include: ‘adjustable dumbbells’, ‘dumbbell workout benefits’, and ‘home gym equipment’. 

6. Keywords on Match 

In SEO, these types of keywords offer a perfect or a similar match for all the keywords in the search query. They are important for both organic and paid searches. Here are three major kinds of keywords on match: 

• Exact Match Keywords 

Exactly matching the user’s search query or a close variation of that precise term, these types of keywords allow you to target your audience more precisely. Example:  

• Search: buy running shoes online  

• Exact match keyword: buy running shoes online 

• Broad Match Keywords 

These trigger ads or content for any variation or related term. Great for reach but can be less targeted. For instance: 

• Broad match: running shoes  

• Could match with: ‘sneakers for jogging’ or ‘buy athletic footwear’ 

• Phrase Match Keywords 

This type of keyword includes phrases in the same order but with extra words before or after. Example: 

• Phrase match: ‘running shoes’ 

• Could match: ‘cheap running shoes for men’ or ‘best running shoes 2025’ 

7. Negative Keywords 

Negative keywords are the words, terms, or phrases that you strategically exclude from your advertising campaign. This is done to prevent your ads from showing up for irrelevant search queries. For example, if you are selling luxury watches, your negative keywords might include: ‘cheap’, ‘free’, or ‘DIY’. 

8. Branded & Unbranded Keywords 

These are search terms that include your brand, unique product name, or information. Those searching for these types of keywords often have a higher intent as they are already aware of your brand, product, or services.  

The main difference between branded and unbranded keywords is mainly on the basis of ranking and intent. You can draw in customers who are looking for goods or services associated with your company but may not be familiar with your brand by ranking for non-branded keywords. On the other hand, you can draw in customers who are clearly looking for information about your business by ranking for branded keywords. 

Examples include: ‘Nike shoes’, ‘Apple fitness app’, etc. 

9. LSI Keywords/Semantic Keywords 

LSI or Latent Semantic Indexing keywords are fancy-speak for ‘related terms’ and are used to help search engines understand the context of your content. 

Here is an example of this type of keyword: 

• Primary keyword: keto diet 

• LSI keywords: low-carb recipes, ketosis, high-fat foods, carb cycling 

10. Geotargeted Keywords 

Geotargeted keywords, also called local keywords, are an important part of local SEO. They help you reach people searching in specific locations. For example: ‘best gyms in Noida’, ‘personal trainer near me’, or ‘yoga classes Delhi’. 

Wrapping Up 

Not all keywords are created equal. Some grab attention, some bring traffic, and some help you rank locally or sell a product. The magic happens when you use the right mix of keyword types to match your goals and your audience’s intent. 

The next time you write a blog, product page, or ad, revisit this list and ask: What kind of keyword am I using and is it the right one for the job? 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q. How many types of keywords are there in SEO, with examples? 

A. There are several types of SEO keywords, each serving different purposes. Here are the key ones with examples: 

• Seed Keywords – Basic terms like fitness, marketing, and coffee. 

• Short-tail Keywords – Broad terms like shoes or exercise. 

• Long-tail Keywords – Specific phrases like best running shoes for flat feet. 

• Primary Keywords – Main target keyword for a page, e.g., digital marketing strategies. 

• Secondary Keywords – Related support terms like content marketing tips, and SEO tools. 

• Exact Match – Matches the query exactly: buy running shoes online. 

• Broad Match – Covers variations: running footwear, and jogging shoes. 

• Phrase Match – Contains the phrase: cheap running shoes for women. 

• Negative Keywords – Terms to exclude: free, cheap, DIY. 

• Branded Keywords – Include a brand name: Apple Watch, Nike shoes. 

• LSI/Semantic Keywords – Related context terms: low-carb, ketosis (for keto diet). 

• Geotargeted Keywords – Include a location: restaurants in Delhi. 

• Keywords by Intent – 

• Informational: how to do yoga 

• Commercial: best yoga mats 2025 

• Transactional: buy yoga mat online 

• Navigational: Lululemon website 

Q. What are short-tail keywords in SEO? 

A. Short-tail keywords are broad, generic search terms usually made of one or two words. They have a high search volume but are highly competitive and vague in intent. 

Examples: 

• Marketing 

• Laptops 

• Fitness tips 

They’re great for awareness but not always ideal for conversion. 

Q. What defines long-tail keywords? 

A. Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases (usually 3+ words) that target niche queries. They have lower competition but higher conversion potential. 

Examples: 

• best wireless headphones for running 

• how to start intermittent fasting for beginners 

They attract users with a clearer intent and are fantastic for content and product pages. 

Q. How can I determine buyer intent through keywords? 

A. Look at search intent behind the keywords: 

• Informational – Learning stage (how to boost metabolism) 

• Commercial – Considering options (top 10 protein shakes) 

• Transactional – Ready to buy (buy protein shake online) 

• Navigational – Searching for a brand (GNC supplements) 

Words like buy, discount, review, best, or near me often signal higher buyer intent. 

Q. What are the different types of keywords tailored to specific industries? 

A. Each industry has unique keyword nuances: 

• Healthcare: natural remedies for anxiety, herbal supplements for sleep, etc. 

• Real Estate: flats for sale in Mumbai, best real estate agents near me, etc. 

• E-commerce: buy men’s sneakers online, discount electronics, etc. 

• Education: online MBA courses, free coding bootcamp, etc. 

• Hospitality: best hotels in Bali, romantic resorts for honeymoon, etc. 

Customizing keywords based on services, products, and location helps target the right audience. 

Q. How to find target-oriented keywords? 

A. To find keywords that align with your goals: 

• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Ubersuggest. 

• Analyze competitors’ websites and content. 

• Use Google Autocomplete and the “People Also Ask” sections. 

• Focus on search intent - understand what your audience is really looking for. 

• Incorporate long-tail and geotargeted keywords for better conversions. 

Q. How to Find Semantic Keywords? 

A. Semantic (LSI) keywords help reinforce your content’s topic. Here's how to find them: 

• Google your primary keyword, then look at: 

• Related searches 

• People Also Ask 

• Bolded terms in search results 

• Use tools like LSIGraph, Surfer SEO, or Clearscope. 

• Check competitors’ top-ranking pages for recurring related terms. 

Example: For the keyword digital marketing, LSI keywords could be SEO, content strategy, email campaigns. 

Q. What is the difference between navigational and transactional keywords? 

A. Navigational Keywords are used to find a specific website or brand. Example: HubSpot blog, Nike store 

Transactional Keywords show strong intent to take action - buy, sign up, book, etc. Example: buy wireless headphones, book yoga class online 

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