How to Use LSI Keywords to Improve Your On-Page SEO (2024)

Did you know that organic search drives 53% of website traffic? It makes you wonder if you are really optimizing your content for the right keywords. 

In this algorithm-driven economy, getting to grips with using LSI keywords could be your answer for SEO success. 

But what are these keywords, and do they even matter anymore? 

I will answer all these questions and more in this on-page SEO guide to creating SEO-friendly content using the latest strategies and SEO tools. 

Let’s explore how understanding Latent Semantic Indexing can boost your content’s relevance and get you noticed by search engines.

What Are LSI Keywords and Why Do They Matter?

Let’s start with the basics. LSI stands for Latent Semantic Indexing, which sounds like something out of a sci-fi novel, but it’s actually a concept from the 1980s. 

LSI keywords are terms that are semantically related to your main topic. They’re not just synonyms, but instead include words and phrases that often show up in the same context as your primary keyword.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. 

Despite the name, Google doesn’t actually use LSI in its algorithm. Shocking, right? 

But don’t close this tab just yet, because the concept behind LSI keywords is still super relevant for SEO.

These days, instead it’s all about semantic search. 

Search engines are getting smarter, trying to understand the meaning behind our queries rather than just matching exact keywords. 

This is where those related terms come in handy.

Think of it like this: if you’re writing about “apples,” search engines want to know if you mean the fruit or the tech company. 

Using related terms like “orchard” or “iPhone” helps clarify your context.

Here’s a quick comparison of content with and without semantically related keywords:

Without Related Keywords	With Related Keywords
Limited topic coverage	Comprehensive content
Potential keyword stuffing	Natural language use
Unclear context	Clear topic focus
Lower search visibility	Improved relevance
Less engaging for readers	Better user experience

But let’s clear up some common misconceptions:

1. LSI keywords ≠ synonyms (though they can include them)
2. There’s no magic “LSI keyword tool” (despite what some may claim)
3. Stuffing your content with related terms won’t automatically boost your rankings

The real magic happens when you use these related terms naturally in your content. 

It helps search engines understand your topic better and can improve your content’s relevance for different related searches.

So while “LSI keywords” might not be the most accurate term, using semantically related words is still important for modern SEO. 

But don’t just take my word for it. Check out what Innovatech Labs did. 

They used a keyword-driven blog strategy, focusing on relevant, semantically related terms. The result?

A whopping 58% increase in blog traffic. But it didn’t stop there – they also saw a 33% growth in traffic to their product pages.

The most important thing as a site owner is creating comprehensive, relevant, and helpful content that answers users’ questions.

So next time you write, don’t get hung up on finding the perfect “LSI keywords.” 

Instead, a more effective approach would be to focus on covering your topic thoroughly and naturally.

The Evolution of LSI in Search Algorithms

Search engines have come a long way since their early days. 

Remember when finding what you wanted online felt like a wild goose chase? 

Those primitive search engines just matched exact keywords. Talk about a headache!

Then came Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) in the late ’80s. 

It was a big step forward for computers to understand related words. 

But here’s a shocker, Google never actually used LSI in its search algorithm. Yep, you heard that right.

So what happened? Google didn’t sit still. 

They cooked up their own smarter ways to grasp language and context. 

Let’s break down the evolution:

• 1990s: Basic keyword matching – just looking for exact word matches
• Late 1990s: LSI emerges (but not used by Google) – recognizing related terms
• 2013: Google’s Hummingbird update – starting to understand search intent
• 2018: BERT introduction – grasping language nuances and context

Google’s Hummingbird update in 2013 was quite an upheaval for the search-based industry. It now started looking at the meaning behind searches, not just the words. 

Then BERT came along in 2019 and took it to a new level using machine learning to get the subtleties of how we talk.

What does this mean for you? Well, I am happy to report that you don’t need to sweat finding the perfect “LSI keywords”.

Focus on writing naturally about your topic. Cover related ideas, use varied language, and create content that actually helps your readers.

Google has made it very clear with its HCU(Helpful content update) that this plus building your topical authority in a specific area with helpful, relevant content.

The goal? Write like a human, for humans. If you’re making valuable, in-depth content, you’re on the right track. 

No need to overthink it – just keep it real and helpful.

Finding LSI Keywords: Tools and Techniques

Now it’s time to learn how to actually find these LSI keywords that will hopefully make your content pop in Google’s eyes. 

I used to think I needed fancy tools to do this, but turns out, that some of the best resources are right under our noses – and free!

Free Tools for Finding LSI Keywords

First up, Google itself. It’s like a goldmine of keyword ideas if you know where to look. 

Start typing your main keyword into the search bar and watch the magic happen. 

Google’s autocomplete suggestions are based on real searches people make. It’s like getting a sneak peek into your audience’s brain!

But don’t stop there. Scroll down to the bottom of the search results page. See those “People Also Searched For” ideas? 

Boom! Even more keyword gold. 

These are topics Google thinks are related to your search. 

Now, if you want to get a bit more serious, Google’s Keyword Planner is your next stop. 

It’s free, but you’ll need a Google Ads account. 

Don’t worry, you don’t have to run ads to use it. 

This tool gives you search volume data and even more keyword ideas to level up your keyword game even more. 

Paid Tools for Finding LSI Keywords

But what if you want to take it up another notch? That’s where paid tools come in. I’ve tried a bunch, and here are my top picks:

• SurferSEO: This bad boy doesn’t just give you keywords, it helps optimize your entire content. It’s like having an SEO expert looking over your shoulder.
• SEMRush: The Swiss Army knife of SEO tools. It does everything from keyword research to competitor analysis. It’s pricey, but worth it if you’re serious about SEO.
• Neuron Writer: This is like SurferSEO’s little brother. It’s cheaper but still packs a punch. Great if you’re on a budget but want some advanced features.

Here’s a quick look inside one of these tools, Surfer SEO, where you can see that you are given a content score as well as a list of semantically related keywords to include in your content. 

It even tells you how many times to use the keyword as well as the ideal word count which I think is pretty cool.

Here’s a quick step-by-step to get you started finding LSI keywords:

1. Start with Google Search:

• Type your main topic (e.g., “coffee brewing methods”) into Google
• Write down the first 5 autocomplete suggestions
• Hit enter and scroll to the bottom for “Related searches”
• Note down all 8 related searches

2. Use “People Also Ask” boxes:

• Look for the “People Also Ask” section in the search results
• Click on 3-4 questions to expand them
• Add these questions to your keyword list

3. Use Google Keyword Planner:

• Log into your Google Ads account
• Navigate to Tools > Keyword Planner
• Enter your main topic in “Discover new keywords”
• Filter results by relevance and average monthly searches
• Export the top 20-30 keywords with over 1,000 monthly searches

4. Use a paid tool (SurferSEO, SEMRush, or Neuron Writer):

• Enter your main keyword into the tool
• Review the suggested keywords or content ideas
• Note down relevant terms with good search volume
• For SurferSEO or Neuron Writer, check the content editor for topic suggestions

5. Analyze competitors with SEMRush:

• Enter a top-ranking competitor’s URL in SEMRush
• Check their top organic keywords
• Add relevant keywords to your list

6. Organize your keywords:

• Group similar keywords together
• Identify 3-5 main subtopics from your list
• Prioritize keywords based on relevance to your content and search volume

These steps will help you gather a long list of keywords using both free and paid tools. 

Use this information to guide your content creation, ensuring you’re covering the areas your readers care about most.

Using LSI Keywords in Your Content

Ever tried to slip vegetables into a picky eater’s meal? 

That’s kind of what using LSI keywords is like. 

You want to sneak them in so smoothly that almost no one notices them. 

But just like those hidden veggies make the meal healthier, these carefully placed keywords can beef up (pun intended) your SEO without leaving a bad taste in anyone’s mouth. 

It’s a delicate balance, though. Use too few, and your content might as well be junk food in Google’s eyes. 

Use too many, and it’s like dumping a whole salad on top of a pizza – obvious and unappetizing. 

Let’s look at some examples:

Good usage: 

• “Learn how to brew the perfect cup of coffee with these expert barista tips.”
  

Bad usage: 

• “Coffee brewing tips for coffee lovers who love coffee and want to brew coffee like a coffee expert.”

See the difference? The first one flows naturally, while the second is awkwardly stuffed with repetitive keywords.

So how do you find that sweet spot? 

Let’s look at where and how to use these keywords:

Headings

Your headings are like signposts for both readers and search engines. Include related keywords in your H2s and H3s where it makes sense. 

But remember, clarity trumps keyword stuffing every time.

Alt Text

When adding images, use your alt text to describe the image accurately while using related keywords. It’s a win-win: better accessibility and improved SEO.

Meta Description

Your meta description is prime real estate. Use it to summarize your content, including a related keyword or two. But keep it natural – no keyword cramming allowed! 

Use emotive words that may induce a reaction in your readers, increasing the chances that they will click. 

FAQs

An FAQ section is a great place to use question-based related keywords. 

It’s natural and helpful for readers, and search engines love it and will give a big boost to your chances of landing a featured snippet spot.

Anchor Text

When linking internally or externally, use related keywords in your anchor text.

But mix it up because using the same anchor text repeatedly looks spammy.

Here’s a checklist to keep you on track:

1. Identify 5-7 main related keywords from your research
2. Use your primary keyword in the first 100 words
3. Include at least one related keyword in your title
4. Use 2-3 related keywords in your headings (H2s and H3s)
5. Incorporate 1-2 related keywords in your meta description
6. Add a related keyword to at least 25% of your image alt texts
7. Use 3-4 related keywords naturally throughout your body content
8. Include 2-3 question-based related keywords in an FAQ section
9. Use varied related keywords in your anchor text for internal links
10. Read your content aloud – if it sounds unnatural, revise it

Remember, the goal is to create valuable, readable content first. 

These keywords should enhance your writing, not dictate it. If you’re forcing keywords where they don’t fit, take a step back and rethink your approach.

Measuring the Impact of LSI Keywords on Your SEO

Want to know if your LSI keyword strategy is working? 

It’s not about guesswork. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of tracking your SEO progress.

First up, keep an eye on your search rankings. 

Tools like Ahrefs can show you how your pages are climbing (or sliding) in search results. But don’t just look at your main keyword. Track those related terms too.

Google Analytics is your best friend for traffic data. 

Look for increases in organic traffic and time on the page. If people are sticking around longer, you’re probably doing something right.

Key metrics to monitor:

Metric	What It Tells You
Average position for target keywords	How well you’re ranking for specific terms
Click-through rate (CTR) from search results	How appealing your snippets are to searchers
Organic traffic volume	Overall SEO performance
Bounce rate	Content relevance and user satisfaction
Time on page	Content engagement and quality
Pages per session	Site stickiness and content depth

Want to get fancy? You could try A/B testing your content.

Try this method:

1. Choose a set of similar pages on your site
2. Update half of them with carefully selected LSI keywords
3. Leave the other half as they are
4. Monitor both sets over 2-3 months
5. Compare their performance in terms of rankings, traffic, and engagement metrics

This approach gives you a realistic comparison over time. Remember, SEO changes don’t happen overnight, so patience is key. Look for trends rather than immediate shifts.

As SEO expert John Mueller once said:

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Using LSI Keywords

Listen, we’ve all been there. You learn about LSI keywords, and suddenly you’re seeing opportunities to use them everywhere. 

It’s like when you buy a new car and start noticing that model all over the road. 

But pump the brakes, friend. There’s a fine line between optimization and overkill.

First off, keyword stuffing is so 2005. It’s like wearing socks with sandals – everyone can tell, and no one’s impressed. 

Your content should read naturally, not like a robot with a limited vocabulary.

Quality and readability are king. If your article sounds like it was written by a thesaurus with a grudge, you’re doing it wrong. 

Remember, you’re writing for humans, not search engine bots.

Balancing LSI keywords with natural writing is an art. Think of it like seasoning a dish. 

A pinch here and there enhances the flavor, but dump in the whole shaker, and you’ve ruined dinner.

Here’s a quick checklist to keep you on track:

• Read your content aloud. If you sound like a walking dictionary, tone it down.
• Ask a friend to review. If they start glazing over, you’ve gone too far.
• Focus on providing value first, and optimizing second.
• If you can remove a keyword without changing the meaning, do it.

Remember, the goal is to enhance your content, not drown it in keywords. 

Keep it natural, keep it valuable, and you’ll be just fine.

Final Thoughts

Alright, let’s wrap this up. LSI keywords aren’t some magic SEO potion, but they’re definitely a tool you want in your content creation toolkit.

They help search engines understand your content better, make your writing more comprehensive, and give you a leg up in the rankings.

Remember, it’s all about balance. Use these related terms naturally, focus on creating value for your readers, and you’ll be on the right track. 

Looking ahead, semantic search is only going to get smarter. As AI and machine learning continue to evolve, search engines will get even better at understanding context and user intent. 

That means creating high-quality, relevant content is more important than ever.

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up Google Keyword Planner or give SurferSEO a spin. 

Start building your LSI keyword list for your next piece of content. 

Trust me, your future self will thank you when those organic traffic numbers start climbing.