Is keyword optimization still important for SEO?

Whether keyword optimization is still important for SEO and what advantages a well-optimized website brings with it, we explain in this blog post.

When we think about what has worked so far, we always think about the main pillar of on-page SEO: keyword optimization. It is a central part of every post you create.

Should we stop optimizing content for keywords?

The short answer is no, and the reason is simple. Search engine optimization changes with updates to search engine algorithms. So, as search engine algorithms evolve, so should your content optimization practices.

The structure of the search engines and the approach to optimization, however, remain the same. After all, Google wasn't created in a day either. So don't expect the basics to change too quickly.

Instead of the above question, the question should rather be:

Has keyword optimization for SEO changed?
In this case, the short answer is: yes, very.

Certainly there are more challenges than in the past, but keywords are still crucial. They should always be the main component of on-page SEO. As search engines use artificial intelligence, the task of SEO experts is becoming more complex, and so are the variables they must consider. It is not a matter of abandoning the use of keywords  but of using them differently.

But how?

In the following we ve compiled five tips for optimizing keywords that will make it much easier to select and incorporate keywords into texts.

TIP 1 -Research the keywords before you start writing.

You should always do keyword research before you start. Choose a topic you'd like to write about, use keyword research tools to determine what people are searching for, and check the search volume associated with it.

To do this, you can use the Google Ads Keyword Planner or one of the free tools you can find online, such as Answer The Public, AlsoAsked.com, or keyword.io.

TIP 2 -Think about topics and subject areas, not just keywords

Search engines are much smarter than they used to be: they can find out what you're good at! Nowadays, the main thing is to build trust. So why not choose a topic you're particularly good at and write lots of content about it?
With the help of keyword research, you can find out what questions people are asking and use those questions to form subtopics that relate to a central core theme . This is an essential part of an SEO-based content strategy.

TIPP 3 -Don't use your keywords too often, the text should sound natural

Repeating a keyword to achieve a reasonable keyword density hasn't worked for a long time now.

Google (und other search engines) reward content that sounds natural. After all, search engines want to share content that's easy to read.

So before you decide on a specific keyword, consider what you want to write about and whether you have enough unique insights or knowledge to share. The content needs to answer questions and provide solutions - no spammy keywords!

TIP 4 -Don't just look at traditional search results

Google has begun displaying results in a variety of forms, and optimizing for these expanded forms of content ( rich snippets) is critical, as they often appear above the standard results on page one.

When a blog appears in a search snippet, in the "people also ask" section, or in the "video" section of a search results page, you not only stand out from your competitors, but are also recognized as an expert.

TIP 5 -Think about users' search intent

From keywords to voice queries One of the hot topics for SEO is the impact of voice search.

I'm not suggesting that you should turn away from text-based search - it will always be important - just that voice search is becoming an important component and you can't ignore it.

Targeting voice queries is a little different; you have to think about what the user's intent is and what they might say after "OK, Google," "Hello Siri," or "Hello Alexa."
In this sense, keywords become much more conversational, much more human. Voice search questions are detailed and rich, providing more context than regular search queries.
Never forget where you started, though: Your content is the answer to that, and behind your content are your keywords.

Conclusion

Since SEO is constantly evolving, albeit slowly and progressively, SEO professionals must regularly learn new skills to keep up. The basics remain the same, but the way they are applied is constantly changing.

Whoever works in the industry needs to know and understand the basics before delving deeper; this is critical to their own success and the success of the content they create.