π LSI Keywords and What I Use Instead of Them
β The Myth of LSI Keywords in SEO
One of the biggest SEO myths is the idea of LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) Keywords. Many believe that adding so-called "LSI Keywords" to a webpage improves rankings, but this is not true.
While it's true that Google uses advanced algorithms to understand keyword relationships, LSI Keywords are NOT one of them.
π What Google Actually Uses Instead
- β Phrase-Based Indexing: Uses related phrases from high-ranking pages.
- β Context Vectors: Helps Google understand word meanings based on context.
π LSI Keywords have never been part of Google's ranking system!
π€ What Are LSI Keywords in SEO?
- π§ Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) was developed in the 1980s for indexing small databases.
- π The original LSI patent was based on indexing just eight booksβnowhere near todayβs massive web scale.
- β The term "LSI Keywords" does not exist in any official LSI patent or Google documentation.
π¨ Where Did the SEO Community Get It Wrong?
- π Claim: LSI Keywords help boost rankings. β No proof.
- π° Claim: SEO tools generate LSI Keywords. β Misleading marketing.
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π Reality Check:
- β No Google patents mention LSI Keywords.
- β No research papers support LSI Keywords.
- β No case studies prove they help rankings.
β οΈ Fake LSI Keyword Methods to Avoid
- β Google Autocomplete: Suggests popular searches, NOT keyword optimization.
- β Bolded Terms in SERPs: Helps searchers, not SEOs.
- β Google Keyword Planner: Useful for research, NOT for LSI Keywords.
π« SEO tools claiming to generate LSI Keywords are misleading. Don't waste time on them!
π Where Did "LSI Keywords" Come From?
- π While LSI is a patented technology from Bell Labs, the phrase "LSI Keywords" is made up.
- π§ No Google patents or academic papers support LSI Keywords.
π What to Use Instead of LSI Keywords
β 1. Phrase-Based Indexing (Googleβs Real Approach)
- πΉ Focuses on co-occurring phrases from high-ranking pages.
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π‘ Example: A page ranking for "President of the United States" might include:
- β Oval Office
- β Secretary of State
- β Rose Garden
β 2. Context Vectors (Googleβs Way of Understanding Meaning)
- πΉ Helps Google understand words with multiple meanings.
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π‘ Example: The word "horse" has different meanings depending on context:
- β π To an equestrian: "Horse" = Animal (saddle, stirrups).
- β π To a carpenter: "Horse" = Tool (sawhorse, wood).
- β π€Έ To a gymnast: "Horse" = Vault equipment (pommel, bars).
β Action Plan: What to Do Instead of LSI Keywords
- π Forget about LSI Keywordsβthey are an SEO myth.
- π Use phrase-based indexing to add relevant phrases.
- π Leverage domain-specific terms to clarify meaning.
π How to Optimize Content the Right Way
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β
Find co-occurring phrases from top-ranking competitors using tools like:
- β Ahrefs
- β SEMrush
- β Google SERPs
- β Add domain-specific terms for better context.
- β Write high-quality, relevant content instead of keyword stuffing.