Seed keyword is a key term in the world of SEO, used as a starting point for keyword research and optimization.
This concept is essential for building an effective content strategy and improving search engine rankings.
What is a Seed Keyword?
A seed keyword, or “seed keyword,” is a generic word or phrase that represents the main theme of a website, page or topic.
From it derive other related, more specific keywords that are used to broaden the scope of the SEO strategy.
For example, the seed keyword “shoes” can generate related keywords such as “running shoes,” “men’s dress shoes,” or “women’s sports shoes.”
Seed Keyword: Why is it Important?
- Basis of Search Keywords: Seed keywords are the first step in identifying related keywords and long-tail keywords.
- Target Definition: They help to better understand the target audience and its research intent.
- Content Optimization: Enable the creation of targeted and relevant content that meets users’ needs.
- SEO Strategy: These are essential for building a keyword tree and planning effective advertising campaigns.
How to choose a seed keyword
- Theme Analysis: Identify the main topic of your site or page.
- Competitor Research: Study the keywords used by competitors in your industry.
- SEO Tools: Use tools such as Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush or Ahrefs to find seed keywords with good search volume.
- Search Intent: Make sure the seed keyword is relevant to the users’ intent (informational, commercial, transactional).
- Specificity: Choose a word that is generic but not too broad, so you can expand it with related words.
Seed keyword vs long-tail Keywords
| Seed Keyword | Long-Tail Keywords |
|---|---|
| General and broad | Specific and detailed |
| High search volume | Lower search volume |
| Increased competition | Less competition |
| Starting point | Derived from the keyword seed |
Practical example
- Seed Keyword: “Coffee”
- Related words: “Espresso coffee,” “American coffee,” “Ground coffee.”
- Long-tail keywords: “Best Italian espresso coffee,” “How to make American coffee at home.”
Advantages of using seed keywords
- They facilitate the creation of targeted content
- They improve the SEO structure of the site
- They support link building strategies
- They allow you to identify niche opportunities
Seed keywords are the heart of your SEO strategy; choosing the right ones can make the difference between a well-ranked site and an invisible one on search engines.