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Head Keywords: Definition, Function, and Research Method

Last updated: Apr 18, 2024

https://cmlabs.co/en-sg/seo-terms/head-keyword

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What Is Head Keyword?

Head keywords or head terms are keywords that have the most search volume and represent a certain topic.

In addition, head keywords can also be interpreted as the main keywords that cover a large topic and help people find your website more easily.

Head Keyword Layout on the Website

In general, head keywords are placed in important parts of a web page or online content. Here are some places where head keywords should be placed:

1. Page title

The page title is one of the most important elements in the structure of a website as it attracts the user's attention and plays a significant role in SEO strategy.

By placing the head keyword at the front of the page title, you help search engines and users quickly understand the main topic of your page.

2. URL

By inserting the head keyword in the URL, you can give a clear hint of what the visitor is looking for when accessing it.

For example, if the head keyword of your page is "Chicken recipes", then the URL should be "www.example.com/chicken-recipes".

3. Meta Description

A meta description is a short snippet in the search results to give an idea of the topic that users find when clicking on a link.

So, placing the head keyword in the meta description will help search engines and users understand the main topic on the page.

4. Heading Tag

By paying attention to the layout of head keywords and the use of appropriate heading tags, starting from H1, H2, H3, and so on. You can improve your website's SEO optimization strategy and help readers find the information they are looking for.

5. First Paragraph

When you start drafting web content, placing head keywords in the first paragraph is also important to provide clear context to readers and Google about the topic to be discussed.

Other Keyword Types in SEO

To understand more about keywords in SEO strategy, there are several keyword types that you need to know. Here is the full explanation:

1. Based on the Number of Words

Keyword types based on the number of words are divided into two. They are short-tail keywords and long-tail keywords.

Short-tail keywords usually contain 1-3 words, while long-tail keywords have more than 3 words. For more details, see down below.

Short-tail Keywords: They usually have high search volume and fierce competition. Hence, getting high rankings on SERPs with this type of keyword is more difficult, especially if your website is new or has a low domain authority. However, you can still target these keywords for topics that are rarely discussed.
Long-tail Keywords: This type of keyword tends to have a lower search volume as the topic is specific. However, you can easily get ranked if you use these keywords.

2. Based on Time

You also need to understand that keywords have different time patterns. Keyword types based on time are divided into two, including:

Trend Keywords: Keywords that can experience a spike in searches in a certain period or season since they are popular, but they can lose their popularity due to trends continuing to change.
Evergreen Keywords: Keywords that are searched consistently by users because of their relevance that remains over time.

3. Based on Audience

These keywords are beneficial for customizing your search strategy to who you are targeting. In most cases, keyword types based on audience are divided into two types:

General Keywords: These keywords use terms that are widely recognized by many people and are easily understood by beginners. An example is "Marketing strategy".
Specialized Keywords: Keywords are not common and are only understood by people who already have in-depth knowledge of the topic. For example, "Marketing mix".

4. Based on User Intent

Keyword types based on user intent or the purpose of users when searching online can be divided into four types, including:

Informational keywords: Used when you want to find out something. For example, you want to find out "How to cook fried rice".
Navigational Keyword: Keywords used when looking for specific information about a brand or website. For example, if you want to visit Facebook's official website, you would type in these keywords.
Commercial Keyword: Used as a consideration for buying something. For example, "Camera recommendations for beginners".
Transactional Keyword: Keywords that are used when doing an action, such as buying a product, downloading a file, or filling out a form.