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Understanding Different Types of Keywords: A Complete Guide
Understanding Different Types of Keywords: A Complete Guide

Learn how different keyword types work and pick the right ones for your SEO goals.

Neil G avatar
Written by Neil G
Updated over a week ago

Not all keywords work the same way. Understanding the different types helps you target the right audience at the right time. Let's break down each type and see how to use them effectively.

Search Intent Keywords

Informational Keywords

  • Users want to learn something

  • Example: "how to create a content strategy"

  • Best for: Building awareness and trust

  • Use in: Blogs, guides, tutorials

Navigational Keywords

  • Users search for specific websites

  • Example: "facebook login"

  • Best for: Brand visibility

  • Use in: Homepage and main sections

Commercial Keywords

  • Users compare options

  • Example: "best content marketing tools"

  • Best for: Product comparisons

  • Use in: Review pages, comparison guides

Transactional Keywords

  • Users ready to take action

  • Example: "buy marketing software"

  • Best for: Sales pages

  • Use in: Product pages, pricing pages

Brand-Based Keywords

Branded Keywords

  • Include company or product names

  • Example: "semrush pricing"

  • Best for: Converting brand-aware users

  • Use in: Product and company pages

Non-Branded Keywords

  • Focus on features or solutions

  • Example: "keyword research tool"

  • Best for: Reaching new audiences

  • Use in: Educational content, landing pages

Specificity Keywords

Short-Tail Keywords

  • Broad, general terms

  • Example: "marketing"

  • High search volume, high competition

  • Best for: Building topic authority

Long-Tail Keywords

  • Specific, detailed phrases

  • Example: "digital marketing strategy for small business"

  • Lower volume, easier to rank

  • Best for: Targeting specific needs

How to Choose Keywords

Pick keywords based on your goals:

  • Building awareness? Use informational keywords

  • Increasing sales? Focus on transactional terms

  • Targeting new markets? Try non-branded keywords

  • Supporting existing customers? Include branded terms

Remember: Keywords often fit multiple types. "how to use semrush for keyword research" is both informational and branded.


Need help choosing the right keywords? Contact our support team at support@getarrow.ai or click the chat icon in the lower right corner.

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