Using synonyms for keyphrases

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Using synonyms for keyphrases

In recent years, search engines have significantly increased their understanding of unstructured textual data. Automatic natural language processing has expanded considerably and many algorithms are able to understand words through their context. Here are some pointers on using synonyms for keyphrases and having a greater impact on your SEO campaign.

Keywords and keyphrases remain the most important

Before starting thinking about synonyms, let’s talk about keywords and keyphrases. Limit yourself to about fifty of them. In connection with your activity, these keywords can cover: the brand, the products, the sign, the pages…They must be relevant and in relation with the content. Many tools can help you define the right keywords on which you feel it is important to be well positioned.

Depending on what you are trying to present, Google will work on a fine grid to make the different synonyms consistent with each other. The search engine takes synonyms and related words so much into account that it also puts them in bold on the results page.

For example, a search for cars.

Base word: car

Synonyms: automobile, vehicle, carriage

Related words:

  • transport / means of locomotion / train / truck / bicycle, etc.
  • tires, engine, bodywork, clutch, brakes, etc.
  • used / first hand / new / insurance / cheap / good price

When using the terms “used and cheap cars in X place” your positioning will be improved by using synonyms AND words associated with the 3rd universe in this example.

Using synonyms for keyphrases: Make a list, check it twice

Each publication has an underlying issue and uses one or two key phrases. As you may have heard, focusing on one theme and one main keyword does not mean repeating the same words in every line of text. Make a list of relevant synonyms from the most important keywords.

Using synonyms for keyphrases: It is more of a craftsmanship

When using synonyms for keyphrases you must evaluate the semantic environment of your keywords by focusing on their variants and synonyms. Rely on dictionaries and thesauri to create an initial list of synonyms and similar words. Then test empirically or via Google Suggest to test these variations and find the most relevant ones. With the right keywords and synonyms, all you have to do is write your content, always keeping in mind to write as naturally as possible for the understanding of the user and the interpretation of search engines.