What are SEO keywords? How to use keywords in an article to improve Google rankings

In today's digital marketing world, SEO keywords are an essential element when it comes to creating content for websites. VietSEO emphasizes their importance in driving targeted traffic and improving search visibility. But what exactly are SEO keywords?

What Are SEO Keywords?

SEO keywords are phrases or single words that users commonly use to search for information on search engines like Google, Bing, or Cốc Cốc. These keywords reflect the topics users are interested in, and when used properly in content, they help your website appear in higher positions on search engine results pages (SERPs). Nowadays, many businesses choose keyword SEO services to optimize their content and improve their ability to reach potential customers through search engines.

Example: If you run a cosmetics business, potential SEO keywords might include “best lip balm for winter” or “sunscreen for sensitive skin.”

The Role of Keywords in SEO

Keywords act as a “bridge” between the content you create and what people are searching for. Here’s why they matter:

1. Help Google Understand Your Content

Search engines like Google use complex algorithms to crawl and interpret website content. Using keywords correctly helps Google “read” your content, classify the topic, and suggest it to the right audience.

2. Increase Your Reach to Target Customers

An article optimized with the right keywords has a better chance of appearing in front of users who are actively searching for that information—helping you reach your ideal audience.

3. Improve Search Rankings

Targeting the right keywords that people are actually searching for—and writing quality content around them—significantly increases your chances of ranking in the top spots on Google.

Types of SEO Keywords

Understanding keyword types helps you build a more effective content strategy. Viet SEO recommends starting with these basic categories to target the right audience and boost SEO performance:

1. Short-tail Keywords

These are very short terms, usually 1–2 words.

Examples: “running shoes,” “laptop”

• Pros: High search volume
• Cons: High competition, harder to rank

2. Long-tail Keywords

These are more specific phrases, usually 3 or more words.

Examples: “affordable genuine men’s running shoes”

• Pros: Lower competition, easier to rank, better targeting
• Cons: Lower search volume

3. Primary Keywords

This is the main keyword you want to optimize in your article—usually the most relevant, broad topic of the piece.

4. Secondary Keywords

These are related or supporting keywords that add depth to the topic and help broaden the semantic scope of your content.

How to Find Effective SEO Keywords with VietSEO

Finding the right keywords is the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. With so much competition online, choosing terms that align with user intent and search behavior is crucial. Viet SEO provides practical tools and expert guidance to help you identify high-potential keywords that drive traffic, improve rankings, and connect with the right audience.

1. Use Keyword Research Tools

Popular tools include:

• Google Keyword Planner – Free and reliable
• Ahrefs – Powerful with in-depth data
• Ubersuggest – User-friendly, great for beginners
• SEMrush – All-in-one tool with comprehensive features

2. Analyze Competitors

Check top-ranking articles in your niche. See what keywords they’re using, how they structure content, and draw inspiration from their strategy.

3. Use Google Suggestions

When you type a term in Google’s search bar, look at the autocomplete suggestions and “People also search for” section—these offer great ideas for secondary keywords.

How to Use Keywords in SEO-Friendly Articles

Once you’ve gathered your keyword list, the next step is using them effectively in your content. VietSEO recommends placing keywords strategically to maximize SEO impact. Here’s where to place them:

1. In the Title

The title is the first thing both users and search engines see. Including the primary keyword in the title helps Google understand the topic and improves your click-through rate (CTR).

Example: “What Are SEO Keywords? How to Use Them Effectively in Your Content”

2. In the Meta Description

The meta description appears beneath your title in search results. Optimizing it with keywords makes your article stand out more.

3. In Headings (H1, H2, H3)

Use keywords in subheadings to highlight important sections and help structure your content clearly.

4. In the Opening and Closing Paragraphs

Naturally include the keyword in the first and last paragraph to enhance overall relevance.

5. In Image ALT Text

Google can’t “see” images but can read image descriptions (ALT text). Include relevant keywords here for better image SEO.

6. Maintain Reasonable Keyword Density

Avoid keyword stuffing. A good rule of thumb is 1%–2% keyword density. Make sure keywords appear naturally and don’t disrupt the flow.

Common Keyword Mistakes to Avoid – Tips from Viet SEO

Using the right keywords can boost your SEO, but using them incorrectly can do more harm than good. Many content creators still fall into common traps like keyword stuffing, targeting overly broad terms, or ignoring user intent. VietSEO shares practical tips to help you avoid these mistakes and use keywords more strategically to improve both rankings and reader engagement.

Even when writers understand keywords, they often make these mistakes that hurt SEO:

1. Keyword Stuffing

Repeating keywords too frequently annoys readers and gets flagged by Google as spam.

Bad example: “What are SEO keywords? SEO keywords are keywords for SEO that help SEO keywords rank higher.”

2. Ignoring Secondary Keywords

Focusing only on primary keywords makes your content feel shallow. Supporting terms enrich your article and improve topic coverage.

3. Not Including Keywords in Critical Places

Skipping the title or intro paragraph weakens your SEO impact.

Additional Tips for Writing SEO-Friendly Content

Creating SEO-friendly content goes beyond just inserting keywords—it’s about crafting value-packed, user-focused articles that search engines love. From optimizing readability to improving internal linking, small adjustments can make a big difference. Viet SEO offers additional tips to help you refine your content strategy, boost rankings, and keep your audience engaged longer.

1. Write for People, Not Just for Google

Keep your writing clear, natural, and helpful. Prioritize value for the reader over search engine tricks.

2. Structure Your Article Clearly

Use headers (H1, H2, H3), short paragraphs, bullet points, and visuals to make the article easy to skim and understand.

3. Optimize Internal Linking

Link to related articles within your site. This improves user engagement and SEO.

4. Improve Page Load Speed

Google favors fast-loading pages. Optimize images, clean up code, and choose a reliable hosting service.

5. Update Content Regularly

Fresh content ranks better. Keep articles up to date by adding new insights or updating old information.

Conclusion

SEO keywords are at the heart of content strategy. Learning how to research and use them effectively—combined with high-quality writing—can help your articles not only rank higher on Google but also truly connect with readers. VIETSEO specializes in helping businesses master keyword strategy to create content that performs and engages.

Remember: “Write for humans, optimize for search engines.” When your content puts readers first, SEO naturally follows.