Short-Tail Keywords (Head Keywords)
Short-tail keywords are broad, generic search terms consisting of one to two words. They usually have high search volume and high competition but lack specificity.
Example: “ERP software”, “Cloud ERP”, “NetSuite”
Characteristics: High search volume, high competition, broad intent.
Usage: Best for brand awareness but harder to rank for.
Best Practices:
- Use short-tail keywords in broad educational content, such as “What is NetSuite ERP?”
- Pair them with long-tail keywords to improve search rankings.
Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are more specific phrases with three or more words. They have lower search volume but a higher conversion rate since they cater to a niche audience.
Example: “Best NetSuite ERP implementation partners”, “How to migrate from QuickBooks to NetSuite”, “NetSuite integration with Shopify for eCommerce”
Characteristics: Lower search volume, low competition, high conversion rate.
Usage: Ideal for targeting niche audiences and improving conversions.
Best Practices:
- Use long-tail keywords in blog posts, case studies, and FAQ pages.
- Optimize product/service pages for transactional long-tail keywords like “Buy NetSuite ERP for manufacturing.”
Branded Keywords
Branded keywords include the brand name or variations of it, helping businesses dominate searches related to their brand.
Example: “NetSuite ERP pricing”, “Jobin & Jismi NetSuite customization services”, “NetSuite SuiteCommerce review”
Use Case: A NetSuite consulting firm can optimize content for branded keywords to improve visibility when potential clients search for their services.
Best Practices:
- Ensure all branded keywords lead to relevant landing pages.
- Use them in PPC campaigns to prevent competitors from bidding on them.
Transactional Keywords
Transactional keywords indicate a user’s intent to take action, such as making a purchase, requesting a demo, or signing up for a service.
Example: “Buy NetSuite license”, “Request NetSuite ERP demo”, “NetSuite implementation services near me”
Characteristics: High commercial intent, used by users ready to take action.
Use Case: A NetSuite solution provider can optimize landing pages with these keywords to attract sales-ready leads actively searching for NetSuite services.
Best Practices:
- Use these keywords on product pages, pricing pages, and CTA buttons.
- Combine them with persuasive copy to increase conversions
Navigational Keywords
Navigational keywords are used when a user is searching for a specific website or page. These keywords often include brand or product names.
Example: “NetSuite login”, “Oracle NetSuite support center”, “NetSuite Help documentation”
Characteristics: Users searching for a specific brand or website.
Use Case: Users searching for “NetSuite login” are likely looking for the official login page. Companies should optimize their support pages with navigational keywords to improve accessibility.
Best Practices:
- Ensure brand-related pages rank at the top for these searches.
- Use structured data (schema markup) to improve search visibility.
Informational Keywords
Informational keywords indicate that users are seeking knowledge rather than making a purchase. These keywords are best used for blog content, FAQs, and knowledge base articles.
Example: “What is NetSuite ERP?”, “How does NetSuite CRM work?”, “NetSuite vs SAP: Which is better for SMEs?”
Use Case: Create blog posts around informational keywords to educate potential clients and establish thought leadership.
Best Practices:
- Use these keywords in blog posts and knowledge base articles.
- Add internal links to transactional pages to guide users toward conversions.
LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) Keywords
LSI keywords are semantically related words that help search engines understand a page’s context. They do not replace primary keywords but enhance content relevance.
Example: If the primary keyword is “NetSuite ERP”, related LSI keywords could be “Cloud-based ERP”, “Enterprise resource planning software”, and “NetSuite financial management”
Characteristics: Related words that improve search relevance.
Use Case: Using LSI keywords in blog posts and product descriptions helps improve SEO and content quality.
Best Practices:
- Identify LSI keywords using Google’s “Related Searches” or tools like LSIGraph.
- Naturally integrate them into content to avoid keyword stuffing.
Competitor Keywords
Competitor keywords are the search terms your competitors rank for. Targeting these keywords can help steal traffic from competitors.
Example: “NetSuite alternatives”, “NetSuite vs SAP Business One”, “Best ERP software for small businesses”
Use Case: A NetSuite solution provider can create comparison articles like “NetSuite vs SAP: Which ERP is Right for Your Business?” to attract users researching alternatives.
Best Practices:
- Use competitor analysis tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to identify relevant keywords.
- Create high-quality content that highlights NetSuite’s advantages over competitors.