What are LSI Keywords?
LSI keywords are terms and phrases that are semantically related to a main keyword. They help search engines understand the context of content and distinguish between different meanings of similar terms.
Despite the name, search engines like Google do not explicitly use Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) in their algorithms. However, the concept of using related keywords and phrases to provide contextual relevance is still widely applied in SEO best practices.
Why LSI Keywords Matter
Including relevant, contextually-related terms can improve the depth and clarity of your content. This helps search engines better interpret the topic and improves the chances of ranking for a broader set of related search queries.
Using LSI-style keywords supports:
- More natural, user-friendly content
- Better coverage of a topic for long-tail keyword searches
- Improved content relevancy and semantic richness
- Reduced risk of keyword stuffing
Rather than repeating the same keyword, incorporating related terms and concepts creates a more comprehensive and engaging page.
Example in Use
For the main keyword “apple,” LSI keywords could help differentiate between the fruit and the tech company. In a tech-focused article, related terms might include “iPhone,” “MacBook,” “iOS,” or “Tim Cook.” In a food-related article, related terms could include “fruit,” “orchard,” “fiber,” or “vitamin C.”
These related terms give search engines important context to understand which meaning of “apple” the page is about.