LSI keywords are terms and phrases that are closely related in meaning to your main keyword. In modern SEO, people still use “LSI keywords” to mean semantic keywords, topic-related terms, and natural language variations that help search engines understand page context. For example, if your main keyword is “apple pie recipe,” useful related terms might include “cinnamon,” “pie crust,” “baking time,” and “Granny Smith apples.”
Why LSI keywords matter for SEO
Related keywords help search engines connect your page to a broader topic instead of a single repeated phrase. That matters because Google does not rank pages by exact-match keyword density alone. It looks for signals that your content genuinely covers the subject.
Using relevant supporting terms can improve:
- Topical clarity, so search engines better understand what the page is about
- Search visibility for long-tail variations and related queries
- Content quality by making writing more natural and useful for readers
- On-page SEO without relying on awkward keyword repetition
For beginners, the practical takeaway is simple: do not just target one keyword. Build a page around the topic and include the language a real searcher would expect to see.
How to find LSI keywords
Start with the main search intent
Write down your primary keyword, then list the questions, subtopics, features, and terms a reader would expect on that page. If the topic is “email marketing software,” related phrases might include “automation,” “email templates,” “open rates,” “segmentation,” and “A/B testing.”
Use search results for clues
Look at autocomplete suggestions, People Also Ask questions, related searches, and the wording used in top-ranking pages. These often reveal the supporting terms search engines associate with the topic.
Add them naturally to key areas
Place related terms where they help users most: headings, body copy, image alt text when relevant, product or service descriptions, FAQs, and internal anchor text. Avoid stuffing. If a phrase feels forced, leave it out.
Practical example: using related keywords on a service page
Imagine you are optimizing a page for “local SEO services.” Instead of repeating that exact phrase 20 times, you could naturally include related terms such as “Google Business Profile,” “local citations,” “map pack rankings,” “NAP consistency,” “review management,” and “location pages.”
This helps the page match what a buyer expects from a local SEO service provider. It also gives your page a better chance to appear for related searches like “improve Google Maps rankings” or “fix local business listings.” For commercial pages, that can mean more qualified traffic and better conversion potential.