Story Based Question
Let’s say you run a local bakery called Sweet Treats and you’ve decided to start a blog to help increase visibility. Your first blog post is titled “How to Bake the Perfect Chocolate Cake.” You’ve written a great article, but you notice that it’s not ranking as well as you thought. You start wondering: “Am I using the right keywords in my blog? Should I be focusing on more specific terms?” That’s when you realize the importance of primary and secondary keywords and how they can boost your SEO.
Exact Answer
Primary keywords are the main keywords that you want to rank for and that best represent the core topic of your content. Secondary keywords are related terms or variations of the primary keyword that support the main topic and help you rank for additional, relevant search queries.
Explanation
In SEO, keywords play a key role in how content ranks on search engines. By using primary and secondary keywords strategically in your content, you help search engines understand the main focus of your page and improve its chances of ranking for multiple related searches.
- Primary Keywords: These are your main target keywords that directly describe the main subject of your content. They have the highest search volume and are the most important for SEO.
- Example: If your blog post is about baking a chocolate cake, the primary keyword might be “chocolate cake recipe”.
- Secondary Keywords: These are related terms or variations of the primary keyword. They typically have lower search volume but still support your main topic. Secondary keywords help you capture a wider range of search queries and make your content more comprehensive.
- Example: For your chocolate cake post, secondary keywords might include “how to bake chocolate cake,” “best chocolate cake recipe,” or “easy chocolate cake recipe.”
Using both primary and secondary keywords in your content helps increase its relevance for various search queries, making it easier for search engines to understand and rank your page for a broader range of related terms.
How to Use Primary and Secondary Keywords in Content:
- Title and Headings: Include your primary keyword in the title and at least one subheading. Use secondary keywords in other subheadings to support the topic.
- Introduction and Conclusion: Use the primary keyword early in the content (introduction) and wrap it up in the conclusion, while adding secondary keywords in the body of the content.
- Body Text: Distribute primary and secondary keywords naturally within the text. Don’t over-optimize or stuff keywords—aim for a smooth, conversational flow.
- Alt Text for Images: If you include images in your blog post, use relevant keywords in the alt text to help with SEO.
Example
Let’s go back to your Sweet Treats bakery blog post about chocolate cake. Here’s how you can use both primary and secondary keywords:
- Primary Keyword: In the title, headings, and first paragraph, use your main keyword “chocolate cake recipe”.
- Example: “The Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe” (this directly targets the main keyword).
- Secondary Keywords: Sprinkle secondary keywords like “best chocolate cake recipe,” “how to bake chocolate cake,” and “easy chocolate cake recipe” throughout your article to provide more context and relevance.
- Example: In the content, you might write: “This easy chocolate cake recipe is perfect for beginners. If you’re looking for the best chocolate cake recipe, this one is guaranteed to impress your guests.”
- Content Optimization: Use secondary keywords naturally within subheadings or throughout the content without stuffing. The goal is to help the page rank for a broader set of search queries while keeping the content readable and engaging.
- Example: “If you’re new to baking, this easy chocolate cake recipe will guide you through each step to make the perfect cake. For a richer flavor, try adding espresso to the batter—this trick works wonders for making the best chocolate cake ever.”