Secondary Keywords

What are Secondary Keywords?

Secondary keywords are terms related to your primary keyword. They include synonyms, variations, and related phrases that help cover different aspects of a topic. For example, if your primary keyword is “coffee cup,” secondary keywords might include:

• “coffee mug”
• “ceramic coffee cups”
• “travel mugs”
• “funny coffee mugs”
• “large coffee cups”

Incorporating secondary keywords into your content helps ensure you address various facets of the topic, enhancing your chances of ranking for a broader range of search queries.

Why Are Secondary Keywords Important?

1. Comprehensive Coverage
Secondary keywords help you cover a topic thoroughly, addressing various aspects and nuances that readers might be interested in. This comprehensive approach aligns with users’ search intents and can improve content relevance.

2. Increased Search Visibility
By targeting secondary keywords, you increase the likelihood of ranking for a wide array of related queries. This broadens your content’s reach and potential traffic. Research indicates that top-ranking pages often rank for hundreds or even thousands of keywords.

3. Improved User Experience
Including related terms and variations in your content can make it more engaging and helpful for users. This enhanced user experience can lead to longer page visits and lower bounce rates.

How to Find Secondary Keywords

Here are three effective methods to identify secondary keywords:

1. Use Content Optimization Tools

Content optimization tools help identify related keywords that should be included in your content. Popular tools include:

• Surfer: Analyzes top-ranking pages and suggests keywords to include.
• Clearscope: Provides keyword recommendations based on the content of top-performing pages.
• MarketMuse: Offers insights into keywords and content gaps.
• Page Optimizer Pro: Suggests keywords and content improvements based on competitive analysis.

Process:

1. Enter your primary keyword into the tool.
2. Review the list of related terms and suggested keywords.
3. Integrate these keywords naturally into your content.

2. Analyze Top-Ranking Pages

Investigate pages that rank highly for your primary keyword. These pages often rank for numerous secondary keywords. Use SEO tools like Ahrefs to extract this information:

Steps:

1. Search: Enter your primary keyword (e.g., “coffee cup”) into Google.
2. Analyze: Use an SEO tool like Ahrefs’ SEO Toolbar to view the number of organic keywords each page ranks for.
3. Extract: Click to open the Organic Keywords report, and review related keywords.

For instance, a page ranking for “coffee cup” might also rank for terms like “best coffee mugs” or “coffee cup sets.”

3. Explore Keywords Explorer

Ahrefs’ Keywords Explorer is a valuable tool for finding secondary keywords. It provides various keyword ideas, including:

• Matching Terms: Keywords containing your seed term, including variations and questions.
• Related Terms: Keywords related to your primary keyword.
• Search Suggestions: Autocomplete suggestions from search engines.

Steps:

1. Enter your primary keyword into Keywords Explorer.
2. Navigate to the “Keyword Ideas” section.
3. Review the suggestions and select relevant secondary keywords.

For example, if your primary keyword is “coffee mug,” you might find related keywords like “thermal coffee mug” or “coffee mugs with lids.”

Best Practices for Using Secondary Keywords

1. Integrate Naturally

Ensure that secondary keywords fit naturally within your content. Overusing them or inserting them awkwardly can harm readability and SEO.

2. Focus on User Intent

Consider the intent behind the secondary keywords. Ensure your content aligns with what users are likely looking for when they use these terms.

3. Use in Subheaders and Body Text

Incorporate secondary keywords in subheaders and body text to enhance content relevance and structure. This helps search engines understand the various aspects of your topic.

FAQs

How to Identify Secondary Keywords Efficiently?

• Use specialized SEO tools like Keywords Explorer, Surfer, and Clearscope.
• Analyze high-ranking pages for related terms.
• Consider user intent and context when selecting secondary keywords.

Why Are Secondary Keywords More Effective Than Just Focusing on Primary Keywords?

• Broader Coverage: Addresses various related topics and queries.
• Improved Rankings: Increases the chance of ranking for a wider range of keywords.
• Better User Experience: Provides comprehensive and relevant content for users.

How Many Secondary Keywords Should I Use?

• There’s no set number, but ensure your content is comprehensive and naturally includes related terms.
• Focus on quality and relevance rather than quantity.

Incorporating secondary keywords effectively can significantly enhance your SEO strategy by making your content more relevant and discoverable for a broader range of search queries.