Semantic Search and Its Growing Role in Modern SEO Strategies

We cannot imagine a life without the World Wide Web and its key search engines. Today, even our everyday lives are often managed, and controlled by searches. We consume a lot of information and we want information easily that is accurate and digestible. When you think of searches, the usual keyword-based search comes to mind. Perhaps, that is the only way you may be familiar with. Beyond mere keyword-based search, you can employ other methods, such as Google semantic search. It is a searching mechanism that considers the word’s context and meaning to deliver you the best results available on the internet archive. In this blog, you will get to know what is semantic search in SEO and the benefits of optimising for semantic search. 

What is semantic search in SEO?

The meaning of what is semantic search in SEO has changed the way search engine optimization works. It is instilling human language into search and is all about considering context regarding words and phrases. With semantic SEO search, you will produce more meaningful search results even when retrieved searches contain none of the query terms. It facilitates knowledge from heterogeneous information on various topics depending on the search query. It is far more effective and meaningful than traditional, keyword-based search. 

Keyword SEO search vs Semantic SEO search 

Keyword SEO search 

• Symbols, strings, operators 
• Manipulates search queries
• Limited utilization of morphology and syntax
• Displays links and text snippets containing these keywords 
• The information digestion is the duty of the reader

 Semantic SEO search 

• Real-world entities and relationships
• Finds the meanings of search queries 
• Identifies the intent of the search as well as the context of the query
• Nuance facts, answers, data and information
• Discovers and digs information for the reader to be digested and delivered

Google and semantic SEO

We have seen semantic SEO and the difference from conventional search. The next question will be why care about semantic SEO so much. Because search engines like Google no more take into your SEO efforts if it is not revolving around semantic SEO. 

Earlier search 

In earlier days of search engines, they tended to rank content that used specific relevant keywords repeatedly assuming these web pages provided enough information about a specific topic. That was not always the case. After some time, they began to make drastic updations in their algorithms to make searching experience worthy and highly useful for the reader. 

Milestones in algorithm updates 

The benefits of optimising for semantic search were enjoyed by everyone after the introduction of major search engine algorithms. 

1. Hummingbird – It was introduced to provide faster query results in searches. It helped content writers to come up with content that is more focused on the searcher’s actual intent. The algorithm, Hummingbird demands you to create less ambiguous content using NLP and ensure the content not only has certain keywords but related information. 

2. RankBrain – This algorithm uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to clearly understand the intent of the search. The subtle difference between RankBrain and Hummingbird is the use of AI. 

3. BERT – The full context of the words in one search query is taken into account while providing results. It identifies the context and meaning of words as a whole to access accurate information on a specific subject. AI and ML are used in this algorithm. It was introduced in 2019 and has changed the way semantic search works. 

Best semantic search engine optimization practices

1. Create an outline for your content

Why say so? Instead of targeting a specific keyword in your blog post or landing page, you can create a detailed outline covering all sub-topics of the main topic. How meticulously you create content around a topic increases comprehension and makes it semantic SEO friendly. 

2. Prefer longer pieces

Taking ample time and words to write a piece in a full-fledged manner, not only helps you rank for keywords but helps you satisfy user intent in every possible way. Include people also ask questions and every possible angle in your content. To create such content, you may need 1000 or 2000 or more words. Most of the comprehensive blog posts fall under this limit of words. 

3. Target multiple keywords

One of the benefits of optimising for semantic search is you can target multiple keywords without stressing about it. You may try to uncover proper keyword research and include an appropriate list of semantic keywords in your content. Therefore, it ranks higher in organic search results.

4. Use structured data 

Schema markup is the best way to highlight your top content on search engines. Your main topic, subject matter, key points and takeaways are included with structured data. The use of structured data not only helps search engines understand your data in a better way but also helps in accelerating organic results. 

5. Consider voice search 

Voice search is going to reignite the search experiences in the coming days. This voice-enabled search needs your content to have semantic SEO content that uses conversational keywords and natural language. In other words, to favour semantic SEO efforts you need not use ornamental language but everyday words in an effective manner. Likewise, small tweaks in keywords are acceptable and get top ranks. 

Available tools for semantic SEO

• SEObase’s keyword explorer
• LSI Graph
• Google Keyword Planner
• Ubersuggest
• Moz keyword explorer
• Word stream’s Free Keyword tool

Benefits of optimising for semantic search

1. Better user experience – You will see readers get satisfied with the results because the search query considers context.

2. Improved content quality – Both the demands of the search engines and real users are met with semantic content. 

3. Boost accuracy – Accurate and timely information imparts trust.

4. Improved SEO efforts – It helps you achieve more leads, engagement and conversions. 

5. Simplify meticulous searches – Searches become simple and instant to get detailed content. 

When you include semantic search in your SEO strategy, you will amass many benefits. The broad array of methods of semantic search aims to enhance retrieval by understanding queries beyond the traditional, keyword-based methods. Using the expertise of the best SEO company in Dubai, you can inculcate semantic search engine optimization practices effortlessly and witness a high number of conversions and engagements.