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The Four Types of Keywords for SEO

by | Jun 16, 2023 | Search Engine Optimization

Do you need help with SEO for your business’s website? Call Results Digital at (281) 975-2086 to learn how we can help transform your website into a marketing powerhouse.

To compete in the highly competitive online marketplace, you must drive qualified traffic to your business’s website through search engine optimization (SEO). Marketing strategies for search engines help potential customers find your site when they search on Google, Bing, or similar engines. 

Much of SEO focuses on the different types of keywords users type into search bars to find information, products, and services. This article explains the four essential keyword types for a successful SEO strategy. If you want to learn everything you can about keywords for SEO, visit this link to learn about the importance of keyword research.

Four Essential Types of Keywords for SEO

Keywords tend to fall into one of four types depending on the user’s search intent. These four types of keywords include:

1. Informational Keywords

Searchers looking for informational content use, you guessed it, informational keywords, often combined with question words like “how does” or “what is.” Optimizing a web page for informational keywords can help drive traffic to a site but doesn’t necessarily drive conversions because the searcher’s intent is educational, not transactional. Still, optimizing for informational keywords can improve brand awareness and authority. 

2. Commercial Keywords

Searchers may use commercial keywords with the intent to make a purchase after gathering further information on the product or service. They may want to understand the differences between two similar products, read customer reviews, or explore potential deals and promotions. Search queries may contain words like “versus” or “free.”

3. Transactional Keywords

When users know what they want to do online, such as making a purchase, they use transactional keywords. These keywords often contain “for sale,” “buy,” or similar phrases. Searchers intend to take immediate action once they find what they’re looking for, so transactional keywords have higher conversion rates than other types of keywords.

4. Navigational Keywords

Searchers use navigational keywords to find products or services offered by a specific company or brand. These keywords include the company or brand name plus the particular product or service. For example, a user may search for “Hanes white ankle socks” if they prefer the Hanes brand. 

Short-Tail vs. Long-Tail Keywords

Marketers also describe keywords according to their length and specificity. For example, short-tail keywords are very general with high search volumes, but they can be challenging to rank for due to increased competition. Meanwhile, long-tail keywords are more specific, with less volume but more opportunities to rank higher. 

For example, “gold jewelry” is a short-tail keyword, while “gold chain bracelet for men” is a long-tail keyword. 

Keep learning about the many aspects of SEO and learning answers to questions like “what is an anchor text?” by exploring more of our blogs!

Why Choose Results Digital to Handle Your SEO?

Our SEO marketing team at Results Digital can help you target all these critical types of keywords for higher search rankings, more website traffic, and better conversion rates. Call us today at (281) 975-2086 to learn about our SEO and other marketing services.

About Preston Toor
Preston, the founder and co-owner of Results Digital, brings nearly a decade of rich experience in the digital marketing realm. His journey began in the world of WordPress web design, swiftly transitioning into the intricacies of SEO and Google Ads. His tenure at two prominent digital marketing agencies equipped him with invaluable insights and expertise in website design, SEO, and Google Ads management. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep-seated passion for elevating businesses, Preston ventured to establish Results Digital. His commitment is rooted in guiding businesses to achieve unprecedented growth and success. On a lighter note, Preston’s admiration for Obi-Wan Kenobi, his favorite Jedi, mirrors his approach to digital marketing – wise, strategic, and always focused on the greater good. This is subtly reflected in his bio picture, a nod to his personal interests and character.